DIENTZENHOFER, FAMILY - German architects originally from Aibling in Bavaria, divided into two branches, one active in Bamberg and the other in Prague; of the Bamberg branch the earliest representative is GEORG, d. in 1689 at Waldsassen, who built the church of St. Michael in Bamberg.
More interesting: JOHANN LEONARD D. and JOHANN D., brothers. The first, active in Bamberg from 1687, d. in that city in 1707. In 1703 he worked on the construction of the bishop's residence while also building the abbey. Other works of his are the convent and abbey of Banz near Lichtenfeld and the convent of Schöntal on the Jagst. JOHANN continued his brother's activity; he built the cathedral of Fulda and then the beautiful castle of Pommerfelden and the church of the convent of Banz. All three of these architects work by translating the architectural language of Italian taste with an Alemannic accent. Georg is still faithful to the Vignolesque precepts consecrated in the church of the Gesù, while Johann Leonard and Johann are more inclined to Borrominesque forms, not without undergoing some French influence.
To the Bavarian branch of the family belongs CHRISTOPH, b. in 1665 at Aibling and d. in Prague in 1722, where many buildings are attributed to him that develop themes of Italian origin, especially those of Guarini; nevertheless the actual limits of his activity are not known.
More famous is his son KILIAN IGNAZ, b. in Prague in 1689 and d. there in 1751. In Vienna he became acquainted with the work of J. B. Fischer von Erlach and of L. Hildebrandt, whose influences he fused with the Guarinian elements derived from his initial paternal training. His masterpiece is perhaps the church of Vodolka in Bohemia; he worked intensively in Prague, where he succeeded in giving a particular tone to numerous architectural settings of the city. Mentioned besides the beautiful church of St. Thomas are that of St. Bartholomew, and the others of Sts. Peter and Paul, of St. John Nepomucene, of St. Catherine, etc. Many convents and palaces in Prague and outside it are also attributed to him, but it is not excluded that a part of these buildings was executed by his assistants or followers.
Bibliography4 works
Emilio Lavagnino