Josef Fanta | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Josef Fanta in 1918 | |
| Born | (1856-12-07)7 December 1856 |
| Died | 20 June 1954(1954-06-20) (aged 97) |
| Resting place | Olšany Cemetery, Prague |
| Nationality | Czech |
| Alma mater | Czech Technical University in Prague |
Josef Fanta (7 December 1856 – 20 June 1954) was aCzech architect and designer. He was a versatile artist with a wide range of interests. He is one of the most prominent representatives of CzechArt Nouveau architecture. In addition to his architectural and artistic activities, he was a university teacher from 1909 to 1922.
Josef Fanta was born on 7 December 1856 inSudoměřice u Tábora. He came from a deeply religious family, which was later reflected in his work.[1] In 1873–1877, he studied civil engineering at theCzech Technical University in Prague (ČVUT). He then worked forJosef Zítek on the interiors of theNational Theatre. From 1880, he was an assistant ofJosef Schulz. In 1889–1890, he went on a study trip to Italy.[2][3]
From 1909 to 1922, he was a professor of medieval architecture at ČVUT. He educated many notable Czech architects. He was an honorary doctor of technical sciences and a member of theCzechoslovak Academy of Sciences. He was friends with the writersJulius Zeyer andJakub Arbes and the painterZdenka Braunerová.[1]
In 1895, Fanta married the social workerJulie Kusá.[4] Fanta died on 20 June 1954 inPrague, at the age of 97. He is buried at theOlšany Cemetery in the family tomb, which he himself designed.[1]
As an assistant to J. Schulz, Fanta participated in the interiors of theRudolfinum andNational Museum.[5] His first major architectural achievement was a gold medal for the interiors of the pavilion of the Czech Chamber of Commerce and Trades at the1900 Paris Exposition.[1]
Fanta was among the representatives the CzechNeo-Renaissance, who developed into one of the most prominent representatives of CzechArt Nouveau architecture. He created many notable public architectural works including thePraha hlavní nádraží railway station (nicknamed "one of the final glories of the dying empire"),[6] theOndřejov Observatory, and theCairn of Peace Memorial inPrace, which commemorates theBattle of Austerlitz. He was known for designing family homes and villas, each of which was unique. His last big work was the Ministry of Trade building in Prague (1925–1932).[3]
Fanta is known primarily as an architect, but he was a versatile artist. He designed both complete buildings and interiors, was a designer of products made of wood, ceramics, metal and textiles, was a painter who designedfrescoes andsgraffiti, and organized of artistic events. His religious background led to the design of altars, tombstones and other religious objects, and reconstructing sacral monuments.[2] He created many paintings during his stay in Italy. He is also the author of the publicationO svérázu krojovém a bytovém ('About the uniqueness of clothing and housing').[7]
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