Karl Friedrich Schinkel: A Universal Man - Tapa dura

This book is about one of the greatest and most influential architects and designers of the 19th century. Schinkel designed many of the great buildings of his native Germany; his architecture still dominates Berlin. Schinkel was also a painter and theatre designer; his work in these areas, as in his earliest architecture, were key expressions of German romanticism. His architectural style soon changed, however, as he began to create grand neo-classical style buildings in Berlin. During this period he designed the buildings and furniture of the royal palaces in Berlin and Potsdam, devising classical garden and architectural complexes that remain among the most beautiful ever created. This survey of Schinkel's career is enriched by photographs of his buildings and art objects and reproductions of many of his drawings and paintings, all accompanied by detailed commentary. The book serves as the catalogue for an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum which runs from 31 July - 27 October 1991.