Hercules von Oberberg
Encyclopedia
Hercules von Oberberg was a Dutch-Danish Renaissance
architect. He was mainly active in the Duchy of Schleswig.
and Koldinghus
(minor renovations), Sønderborg Castle
(planning and commenced rebuilding), the Fortifications of Copenhagen
and Krogen (the bastioned fortifications).
On 29 August 1559 he was employed by Duke Hans the Elder in Haderslev
where he stayed until his death. In 1559-60 he directed the extension of Hansborg with two new wings and a tower. During Duke Hans' last years he was also responsible for the reconstruction and fortification of Tønderhus. In 1591 he worked on Gottorf Castle, where he is credited for the gables of the northern wing.
In 1598 Christian IV
charged von Oberberg, by then an oldman, with the huge tower and castle church at Koldinghus.
in Denmark, seen today at Sønderborg Castle, which he transformed from a Medieval fortress into a Renaissance castle for Christian III
. The style is particularly characteristic of the castle church. It was also seen in the gables of Sønderborg Castle and Gottorp Castle's northwing as well as thouse of Tønderhus and Tønning Palace.As a military architect von Oberberg was fairly old-fashioned, relying mainly on Direr's theories.
Renaissance architecture
Renaissance architecture is the architecture of the period between the early 15th and early 17th centuries in different regions of Europe, demonstrating a conscious revival and development of certain elements of ancient Greek and Roman thought and material culture. Stylistically, Renaissance...
architect. He was mainly active in the Duchy of Schleswig.
Biography
In his early years Hercules von Oberberg worked for Johann of Brandenburg-Küstrin but on 17 July 1557 he became Royal Building Master, succeeding Martin Bussert, but he only stayed in the position for two years. During that time he worked on Copenhagen CastleCopenhagen Castle
Copenhagen Castle was a castle on Slotsholmen in Copenhagen, Denmark, built in the late 14th century at the site of the current Christiansborg Palace....
and Koldinghus
Koldinghus
Koldinghus is a Danish royal castle on the south central part of the Jutland peninsula in the town of Kolding. The castle was founded in the 11th century and was expanded since with many functions ranging from fortress, royal residency, ruin, museum, and the location of numerous wartime...
(minor renovations), Sønderborg Castle
Sønderborg Castle
Sønderborg Castle is located in the town of Sønderborg, Denmark on the island of Als in South Jutland. It houses a museum focusing on the history and culture of the area. The castle is located in the middle of the town, in a park setting overlooking Als Fjord...
(planning and commenced rebuilding), the Fortifications of Copenhagen
Fortifications of Copenhagen
The fortifications of Copenhagen is the broad name for the rings of fortifications surrounding the city of Copenhagen. It can be classified historically as follows:* The medieval fortifications dating from the 12th century...
and Krogen (the bastioned fortifications).
On 29 August 1559 he was employed by Duke Hans the Elder in Haderslev
Haderslev
Haderslev is a town and municipality on the east coast of the Jutland peninsula in south Denmark. Also included is the island of Årø as well as several other smaller islands in the Little Belt. The municipality covers and has a population of 56,414 . Its mayor is Jens Christian Gjesing,...
where he stayed until his death. In 1559-60 he directed the extension of Hansborg with two new wings and a tower. During Duke Hans' last years he was also responsible for the reconstruction and fortification of Tønderhus. In 1591 he worked on Gottorf Castle, where he is credited for the gables of the northern wing.
In 1598 Christian IV
Christian IV of Denmark
Christian IV was the king of Denmark-Norway from 1588 until his death. With a reign of more than 59 years, he is the longest-reigning monarch of Denmark, and he is frequently remembered as one of the most popular, ambitious and proactive Danish kings, having initiated many reforms and projects...
charged von Oberberg, by then an oldman, with the huge tower and castle church at Koldinghus.
Aftermath
Introduced the Floris styleCornelis Floris de Vriendt
Cornelis Floris de Vriendt was a Flemish Renaissance architect and sculptor. He played an important role in the building of the Antwerp City Hall. His brother was Frans Floris, for whom he designed a house in Antwerp.-External links:...
in Denmark, seen today at Sønderborg Castle, which he transformed from a Medieval fortress into a Renaissance castle for Christian III
Christian III of Denmark
Christian III reigned as king of Denmark and Norway. He was the eldest son of King Frederick I and Anna of Brandenburg.-Childhood:...
. The style is particularly characteristic of the castle church. It was also seen in the gables of Sønderborg Castle and Gottorp Castle's northwing as well as thouse of Tønderhus and Tønning Palace.As a military architect von Oberberg was fairly old-fashioned, relying mainly on Direr's theories.