The Spanish and German Halls at Prague Castle in the 19th Century

The Spanish and German Halls (the current Rudolf's Gallery) located in the north wing of Prague Castle were commissioned by Emperor and King Rudolph II at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries. Both halls were refurbished in 1866–1868 based on designs by the renowned Viennese architects Ferdinand Kirschner and Heinrich Ferstel which maintained part of the plaster decorations from the Rudolphine era. This book follows the course of the construction work, provides detailed information on the authors of the architectural design and other people involved in the refurbishment, and identifies the areas that were built in the 19th century and those dating back to earlier periods. The author analyzes the stylistic physiognomy of the two representative halls, explores their function as symbols of dynastic tradition and legitimacy, and reveals the historical and social context of the refurbishment, in which both halls are perceived as political and ceremonial spaces. From this viewpoint, the author examines the connection between interior architecture and the ceremonial etiquette of the Habsburg court. The publication contains photographs by Ivan Pinkava and Vladimír Uher.