THE MOST PROMINENT EXAMPLES OF DUTCH CLASSICIST ARCHITECTURE IN RIGA: DANNENSTERN HOUSE (Holandiesu klasicisma spilgtakie piemeri Riga: Dannensterna nams)

Dannenstern House was built in the 1690s for the Dutch merchant Ernst Metsue, 'landlord von Dannenstern' who became one of the most prominent and powerful representatives of the local aristocracy. In 1696 the main construction works were almost finished. According to the archives, all the sculptural work was done under the supervision of Zurich stonemason Johann Bodemer, while sculptor and woodcarver Dietrich Walter from Stockholm was invited to execute the sculptural decor. The architectonic composition of the main façade of the Dannenstern House is rather atypical for the Baroque period with its solution on two axes. The building has two symmetrical projections with portals that render the entire construction light and more presentable. The natural stone façade is divided by eight Corinthian colossal order pilasters to maintain the rhythm of the dominant feature and balance of the overall composition. In general the finish of the façade might be described as having delicately detailed elaboration - in both the acanthus ornamentation and the minor details. The characteristic features of the Corinthian capitals of the pilasters deserve particular attention. The technical implementation is on a professionally high level, as well as the artistic solution, refined and picturesque in detail, touched by the breath of classical elegance. Looking for definite samples, we find a completely identical solution of the pilasters at the Poppenhuis designed by Philips Vingboons and the Trippenhuis by his brother Justus.