Semper, Gottfried, 1803-1879

Biographical / Historical Note

Gottfried Semper (1803-1879) was a German architect, critic, and teacher who designed the Dresden Opera House and contributed to the re-design of the Ringstrasse in Vienna. His book, Four Elements of Architecture (1851) remains a canonical text of the 19th century. He participated in some of the major architectural debates of his day, including that surrounding the use of polychrome decoration in Ancient Greek buildings.

...