Theodoric of Prague

Theodoric of Prague (also Theodoricus de Praga, Dittrich, Dětřich or Jetřich; mentioned 1359-1368 ) was court painter to Emperor Charles IV

Life

Theodoric is mentioned for the first time in the book of the Prague painter brotherhood from 1348. There you will find the entry " Primus magister Theodoricus grossum unum. " So Theodoric considered as the first master of this brotherhood. Another historical source are the Hradcany City books. For 1359 Theodorik is already mentioned here " Malerius imperatoris ". At this time he was thus already a court painter in the service of the King of Bohemia and Emperor Charles IV Besides, " the house of the imperial painter Theodorik " is in the city Hradčanské books cited. Theodoric was thus established in Prague and he owned a house in the Prague Castle ( Hradcany called the hill to the Prague Castle stands ). Based on his professional and social position at the court of Theodoric was economically independent to the extent that he had his own house. For October 3, 1359 is in the books of the city Hradčanské entry:

" ... Anno domini MoCCCo L IX, the tertia mensis octobris ... in domo Judicis in Hradczano. Nos Heymanus Judex recognoscimus tenorem presencium quod ... discretus vir dominus Theo - doricus dictus Zelo domum suam quam et all were habuit in Hradczano vendidit cum curia et ... "

Whether the mentioned Theodoric, called Zelo is identical with the Master Theodoric is not certain, but possible. The surname Zelo is of Bohemian origin. If with Theodoric, called Zelo, and Master Theodoric is meant the same person, then the Bohemian origin would be undeniable. For this thesis, there are no objective historical evidence. The source of knowledge about the work Theodoriks is a certificate of Charles IV of 28 April 1367th In her Theodorik is referred to as " pictor et familiaris noster ". It is thus emphasized again that he was the imperial painter and Hofmann. Thanks to him, the is pronounced " for the artistic and ceremonial painting of the royal chapel at the Karlstejn. " The founding and Weihbrief proves that the above-mentioned chapel on February 9, 1365, was inaugurated by the second Archbishop of Prague, Johann Ocko of Wlaschin. One can assume that the artistic work Theodoriks had already been completed in the chapel at this time. This refers to the Holy Cross Chapel Karlstejn Castle.

Many pioneering masters of European painting of the high Middle Ages north of the Alps of art history often remain anonymous. However, the mentioned sources and reliable documents reveal much about Master Theodoric; there can be no doubt that he is the artist who is responsible for the artistic design of the Holy Cross Chapel of Karlstejn Castle. His work is collected here in its entire extent and its temporal context, while no trace of his work have received before or since.

Works

His first works he painted was probably at the Royal Palace in Prague. His outstanding works include the features of the Chapel of the Holy Cross at the Castle Karlstejn with 129 Gothic paintings. These paintings are now the world's best-preserved Gothic works. He also the image of the Prague archbishop Johann Očko is attributed by Wlašim on which Charles IV is shown kneeling. The perfection and fine brush strokes were unique for that time. Especially the faces of the people depicted differed from the Gothic scheme and were shown vividly.