Lauritz de Thurau or Lauritz de Thurah (10 October 1696 – 5 January 1759) was a Danish architect, architectural writer, and royal building inspector. He is best known for his role in documenting and shaping early 18th‑century Danish architecture, particularly through his publications and his work on royal building projects.
Early Life and Education
- Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, to a family of German descent.
- Trained as a mason and later studied architecture, likely under the influence of the Baroque style prevalent in Denmark at the time.
Career
- Appointed Royal Building Inspector (Bygningsinspektør) in 1735, a position that involved supervising royal construction projects and overseeing maintenance of state buildings.
- Served as a member of the Royal Danish Academy of Art, contributing to the academy’s architectural curriculum.
Major Architectural Works
- Rundetårn (The Round Tower), Copenhagen (completed 1742): Though designed by astronomer Ole Rømer, de Thurah oversaw its construction and contributed to its Baroque detailing.
- Christianborg Palace (Christianborg Slotskirke): Involved in design and supervision of elements of the palace complex, which later became the site of the current Christiansborg Palace.
- Frederiksberg Palace, Copenhagen: Contributed to interior and decorative work during the palace’s Baroque phase.
Publications
- Den Danske Vitruvius (1746–1749): A four‑volume illustrated survey of Danish architecture, modeled after Vitruvius’s De architectura. The work includes detailed plates of contemporary Danish buildings, many of which no longer exist, making it a crucial source for historians.
- Monumenter de la Reconnaissance (1735): A treatise on commemorative monuments, reflecting his interest in classical architectural theory.
Style and Influence
- Employed the Baroque and early Rococo styles, emphasizing symmetry, classical orders, and ornate detailing.
- His written surveys helped codify Danish architectural heritage and influenced subsequent generations of architects, including Nicolai Eigtved, a leading figure of Danish Rococo.
Later Life and Legacy
- Continued to serve as royal inspector until his death.
- Buried at the Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke) in Copenhagen.
- Recognized today as a key figure in documenting Denmark’s architectural history and as a practitioner who bridged the transition from Baroque to Rococo in Danish royal architecture.
References
- Dansk Biografisk Leksikon (Danish Biographical Encyclopedia).
- Den Danske Vitruvius (original publication, 1746–1749).
- Nicolai Eigtved: Rococo Architecture in Denmark (academic analysis, 1972).
All information presented is based on established encyclopedic sources.
