Johan Cornelius Krieger (architect)

Johan Cornelius Krieger (* 1683 ; † September 21, 1755 in Copenhagen ) was a Danish architect and horticultural artist . He designed mansions and castles , managed numerous large-scale projects as the chief agricultural master, designed palace gardens in the French Baroque style and oversaw the royal gardens. He was instrumental in the rebuilding of Copenhagen after the great fire of 1728.

Origin and education

Krieger was the son of Christian Krüger (died 1716) and his first wife. His father worked as a gardener at the Jægersborg and later Kronborg castles . Krieger trained as a gardener in the gardens of Frederiksberg . In 1705 he made trips to England and Holland, among others. After his return he became a gardener in the orangery of Rosenborg Castle . In 1713 he married Anne Matthisen (1693–1760).

Architect and master builder

From 1720 the warrior worked as an architect and entrepreneur for building materials. In 1722 he was given the rank of building inspector and in 1725 the title of supreme master builder. He designed various large houses and castles, including the Copenhagen Castle (1724–1727) together with Johan Conrad Ernst . In 1729, after the extensive destruction of Copenhagen by a city fire, he published the book Calculations and Desseins on 3 different masonry buildings ... as a guide for private builders. He saw to it that houses were built in brick.

After a break he returned to work as an architect in 1741, led the renovation of Ledreborg and built two orangery buildings in Rosenborg . Krieger designed numerous gardens in the French Baroque style, based on André Le Nôtre . The gardens of Fredensborg , Frederiksberg and (the "first") Amalienborg go back to him. He had a preference for garden houses with an octagonal floor plan, of which he built several.

In 1749, Krieger was awarded the title of Council of Justice. He died in Copenhagen in 1755. His son and grandson of the same name, both Danish naval officers, became known.

Works (selection)

Fredensborg

• Fredensborg Slot , main building (1720–1721)
• Odense Castle (1721-1725)
• Schlößchen Frydenlund (1722; for Anna Sophie von Reventlow , later rebuilt)
• Lock Amalienborg , pavilion (1723)
• Fredensborg , Castle Church and Garden (1725)
• Knippelsbro , bridge in Copenhagen (1725)
• Fredensborg , Cavalier's House (1732)
• Castle Rosenborg , two orangery building (1742; one of them later rebuilt)

literature

• Mrs. Weilbach: Krieger, Johan Cornelius, 1683–1755. In: Dansk Biografisk Leksikon , founded by CF Bricka. Volume 13. JH Schultz, København 1938, pp. 315-316.
• Hans Edvard Nørregård-Nielsen: Warriors, Johan Cornelius (1683–1755). In: Dansk biografisk leksikon , founded by CF Bricka. 3. Edition. Volume 8. Gyldendal, København 1981, ISBN 87-01-77441-7 , pp. 289-290.