Balthasar Neumann (1687(?)- 1753), was a German architect who developed a new concept of Baroque architecture fused with Austrian, Bohemian, Italian, and French elements. He became the architect of some of the most impressive buildings of the period such as the Würzburg Residence and the Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers in this new style. Accordingly, he is considered as the most prominent architect of the late Baroque architecture.
Neumann took his first big step in his career under Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn (Prince-Bishop of Würzburg). He asked Neumann to design the Würzburg Residence in 1720 which later became his life’s work.
The Würzburg Residence is regarded as one of the most elegant and well proportioned palaces in Europe.
Some art critics consider the Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers as the topmost work of the late Baroque Architecture.
During the reign of Christoph Franz von Hutten (1673- 1729) he mainly worked for abbey constructions. His fame as a church builder started with his design of the church at Münsterschwarzach Abbey in 1727. Unfortunately, his version of this building could not survive until today.
He combined the French, Italian and German Baroque elements in his design of the church of Kloster Holzkirchen (1728-30).
His relationship with the royal members allowed him to advance in his career. So much so that the next Prince-Bishop, Friedrich Karl von Schönborn, made Neumann the director of all military, civilian and ecclesiastical constructions in the bishoprics of Schönborn and Bamberg.
The staircases in the Bruchsal Palace are also known as “crown jewel of all Baroque staircases.”
Neumann also worked for two successive Prince-Bishops. He built the Corps de Logis (main block of a large mansion) of the Bruchsal Palace (1731) and designed the church of St. Peter (1740–1746) in Würzburg.
