Zprávy památkové péče 2017, 77(1-2):3-9

Duchcov: Baroque garden, Baroque landscape?

Sylva Dobalová

Ústav dějin umění AV ČR, v. v. i.

The article details the appearance of the little-known extinct, but still remarkable, Baroque castle gardens in Duchcov. After an initial brief summary of the history of the town and castle, the article deals with the actual formation and construction of the French-style castle garden, which began after 1717. Following upon the discoveries and research of Pavel Vlček, it associates the creation of the garden with a leading figure in the architecture of the first third of the 18th century, F. M. Kaňka. It also considers the participation of J. F. Schor, likely in the construction of the garden's complex water engineering. It also mentions the participation of M. B. Braun in the garden's sculpture work.
Based on available archival materials and especially preserved plans, the article goes on to reconstruct the original form of the garden, transformed in the 19th century into an English park and fundamentally damaged by surface coal mining in the 20th century. As part of the garden's characteristics, particular attention is paid to its very atypical connection to the hospital building, also designed by F. M. Kaňka. It also notes the integration of the garden into the wider landscape context, especially the diagonal axis directed towards Stropník Hill, the dominating feature of the nearby horizon. On this basis, the article draws the conclusion that despite the presumption that the Baroque gardens were microworlds closed into themselves, the situation was actually the opposite. Baroque gardens fundamentally shaped the character of not only the town but also the overall character of the rural landscape.

Keywords: Duchcov, castle, Baroque landscape, F. M. Kaňka

Published: March 1, 2017  Show citation