Court library
Hofbibliothek, Austrian National Library. The former Court Library was created in the first half of the 18th century as a private wing of the Hofburg imperial residence. Emperor Karl VI. ordered its construction. The library was built by Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach according to plans of his father, Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Court library, […]
Gottfried van Swieten (1733-1803)
Gottfried van Swieten (1733-1803). Gottfried, Freiherr van Swieten (Baron van Swieten) was a diplomat, librarian, and government official who served the Austrian Empire during the 18th century. He was an enthusiastic amateur musician and is best remembered today as the patron of several great composers of the Classical era, including Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart […]