Neumann, (Johann) Balthasar (1687-1753)

German rococo architect and military engineer. Neumann's work is distinguished by the fusion of baroque architectural principles with rococo ornamentation. Thus his designs attempt to draw attention to the volumes within a building, so that movement up a staircase or through an interior becomes a conscious experience. He designed the bishop's palace in Würzburg (begun 1719; structurally complete 1744). As in his other palace designs, the centrepiece was a magnificent ceremonial staircase, its ceiling decorated by Giambattista Tiepolo (completed 1753).

His other buildings include the castle at Brühl (largely built 1743-48), and that at Bruchsal (completed 1754); and churches at Neresheim (1747-92), Mainz, and the pilgrimage church of Vierzehnheiligen (begun 1743).