Mainz Dompropstei
The Mainz Dompropstei was built by the Lorraine architect François Ignace Mangin (1742–1807) for Count Damian Friedrich von der Leyen, the provost of the Mainz cathedral chapter . The construction took place between 1781 and 1786 shortly after his appointment as Provost, which took place on September 24, 1781. The Propstei was the seat of General Adam-Philippe de Custine after the conquest of Mainz in the First Coalition War . The building was destroyed by fire on the night of June 29th to 30th, 1793 due to shelling by Prussian troops. It stood roughly on the site of today's State Theater.
Alexandre-Louis-Bertrand Robineau described the Dompropstei in 1791 with the words:
“This building is unique of its kind; it was built by Count de Van der Leyen, today's provost, with great effort, but partly with voluntary contributions from the chapter. This building has everything that can bewitch the eye, which pleasantly wanders over the whole for a long time before stopping on a separate part; however, it must be admitted that this palace did not meet with general approval. But there is only one in the universe who has not been subjected to criticism, what the true connoisseur sometimes likes is exactly what the keen amateur displeases. Beauty, it is said, is only one and has its immutable rules; but who can say: this is the term at which art has to stop? How many masterpieces would have been lost if the wings of genius had been broken in this way. It is only through trying new shapes that new beauty emerges, and is it not fortunate that princes and rich men from time to time have new fantasies to revive and develop the talents of artists who, without these happy attempts, are all at the same point would stay. "
The French art historian Louis Réau wrote about the building:
“It is a pity that the department is hidden in a corner of the city; how much would this magnificent building have gained for the outside if it had been erected in a freer, more regular, and above all higher place. It is true that it is a very pleasant surprise for a stranger at the end of these winding and narrow streets to suddenly see himself at the feet of this palace without expecting it. The main facade has six Corinthian order columns that support a large open gallery, & each column also carries a Colossite statue, excellently executed by the sculptor Pfaff : this structure has two less raised side wings, which are also executed in Italian terraces and which are on each side are supported by 5 splendid arcades, which form a very beautiful forecourt in front of the entire palace, closed by very solid latticework, although it was worked with delicacy. The vestibule, which serves as an anteroom for the servants, is very spacious; it is a stroke of genius by the architect who, in order not to disturb the regularity, knew how to hide the stoves inside the columns.
From this vestibule you go up a wide, well-lit & very comfortable staircase, which is divided into two parts on the first floor, & leads to the splendid living room on one side and the adjoining apartments on the other; one can only be satisfied with the order that prevails in everything and the pleasant distribution of the apartments; Dutch cleanliness can be found everywhere, art and taste are united everywhere. The gold with which all the ornaments are covered gives the falot, whose 36 pillars support the ceiling, the greatest shine. Between each pair of pillars is either a gilded, four-foot-high ghost that supports a pedestal table with a chandelier, or magnificent mahogany armchairs decorated with gilded bronzes and furnished with rich baskets. From this splendid drawing room one goes into a smaller one for a coffee, and then into the ordinary dining room, which is simple yet beautiful; it is adorned with a ceiling painted by Januarius Zick , depicting the joys of the gods in the seven planets. Instead of tapestry there are four large pictures, very well painted by a French to the taste of Tischbein; one would wish, however, that the subjects were better chosen and more like a poultry; generally they are trills and not very pleasant. The first stands for Jupiter punishing Juno, the second for the fall of Phaeton, the third for the Flood and the fourth for the defeated Titans.
Several rooms, which all correspond to each other, give this apartment the greatest comfort; they receive light from above, this is one of the criticisms that the architect has received. One has to admit that at first glance these illuminated rooms have an aspect that is too monotonous and therefore very uncomfortable: I would have trouble always staying in such a sad place; in addition, this way of receiving the day is very uncomfortable when it snows a lot and for a long time. However, this way of drawing the days from above should not be completely rejected, it can be used to advantage for study offices, libraries, & especially picture galleries. In one of these rooms I noticed a painting by old Franck, very well preserved, depicting Jesus Christ climbing Calvary; there is much expression in the multitude of people; he represented with great truth the cruelty of the soldiers, the sadness of women, and the noble gentleness of the Redeemer; this painting reminded me of one of the greatest mysteries of religion, I had difficulty moving away from it, so much had the painter understood how to spread the truth in his work.
In the left wing, which does not give way to the main body of the building because of the richness and elegance of the apartments, I saw two more paintings which, because of their beauty, deserve to be mentioned; one is by Pietro da Cortona , also known as Beretini, whose invention and execution are just as gratifying. The cathedral provost bought it from a few louis at a public auction, although there were some connoisseurs there, but none of them guessed its beauty under the thick dust that hid it. After the provost had it carefully cleaned, he was offered three thousand guilders, but it would be a shame if it were to be sold. The other is from Lazarini, of the same size. It represents the creation of our first parents: you can see on Adam's face the gratitude and graces that he gives to the naked Creator for the beautiful companion he has just received. The figures appear so clear that they seem to come out of the canvas; they are full of life; I left this magnificent building only with regret & I wish its happy owner that he can long enjoy it and see the terrible moment when it will be necessary to leave such sweet delights. "
Individual evidence
- ^ Mainzer government archive at: State Archive Würzburg
- ↑ The Mainz Dompropstei at: regionalgeschichte.net
- ↑ Alexandre-Louis-Bertrand Robineau, Voyage sur le Rhin, depuis Mayence jusqu'à Dusseldorf , Volume 1, 1791, pp. 23-24
Coordinates: 49 ° 59 ′ 56.1 ″ N , 8 ° 16 ′ 17.4 ″ E