Defining the Rožmberk Residence of Kratochvíle : the Problem of its Architectural Character

The "chateau" of Kratochvíle was built at the end of the 16th century as an occasional residence for the Rožmberk family, whose members were among the most important Czech aristocrats. It represents a uniquework of architecture within the network of residences in the South-Bohemian territory that belonged to the last members of this family. The isolated and rationally designed building with a deer park attached to it, features sophisticated fresco and stucco decoration depicting themes inspired by Ovid and Livy. Kratochvíle's architectural design is unique and raises questions concerning its meaning and function. The conception follows from the Italian villas of the Renaissance and Classical periods, although it reveals other influences (Austrian, French etc.) as well. This exceptional artistic form corresponded with the prestigious role Kratochvíle played in the social and political life of the Rožmberk family, who often used the hunting reserve as a background to meetings with their political partners. The refined concept of the villa suggests the influence of Jacopo Strada, who presented Vilém of Rožmberk, the chateau's owner, with the Latin edition of Serlio's Sevenths Book of Architecture. In the wider Central-European context, Kratochvíle – together with Neugebäude and Hellbrun – is an exceptional work, preceding by a hundred years the architectural type of occasional residences such as Lustgebäude or maison de plaisance.