KЛИHOM

One of the few gothic architects known to us by name, Parler was one of the great masters of late gothic.  Here is a non-exhaustive tour of his work for Prauge Cathedral:

St. Vitus Cathedral:

Parler’s choir vault. One of the most origninal aspects of Parler’s work was the use of net vauts like this.

Another interesting vault, this one in the “Golden Gate”.

St. Wencelaus Chapel in Prague Cathedral

Parler was also a sculptor, and he caved this self portrait as part of a series for the triforum. It quite likely that this is the oldest surviving  self-portrait in the history of western art.

I’m rather busy trying to catch up on a few things, so enjoy a brief post with some Russian architecture in the form of onion domes.  Onion domes are a common church element which seemingly first appeared in the 1500s.

As a change of pace, I’ll give a short overview of Sikh architecture and the Harmandir Sahib, perhaps better known as the Golden Temple of Amritsar.  Sikh architecture centers around the gurdwara, where a guru lives, and the Sahib or temple.  Domes are a recurring element, as are pointed arches; unlike De Stijl or many other modernist groups, curves and intricate designs are valued, as is evidenced by the Harmandir Sahib.  This is a trait shared with other styles of Indian architecture.  What we would now call city planning is also a key component of the Sikh style; the Golden Temple compound includes some 28 structures.  On to the pictures (make sure you view the full size version of each picture).