Parler

Family of German architects active during the 14th century. Working in southern Germany and Bohemia (mainly in Prague), they were responsible for the development of German late Gothic architecture. The most important member of the family was Peter Parler (1330–1399).

Heinrich Parler (born c. 1290) The first member of the family to achieve prominence was born in Gmünd in southern Germany. He probably worked in Cologne before becoming master mason on the Kreuzkirche in Gmünd; his work there, in the 1350s, is the earliest example of German late Gothic.

Peter Parler Heinrich's son Peter probably studied under his father, and then worked in Strasbourg and Cologne. In 1352 he was made master of works at St Vitus' Cathedral in Prague. In 1356 he inherited a design by the French architect Matthias of Arras (died 1352), but work had been under way for only six years, and he was able to impose his own strong personality on the design, turning the cathedral into one of the most important building projects of the century. Its innovations – some of the finest examples of late Gothic – were widely influential. He also designed (and in part carved) the sculptural decoration of the cathedral, in particular six tombs and a unique series of portrait busts (including a self-portrait). His other works included the Charles Bridge in Prague 1357 and the choir of St Barthelemy, Kolin, Bohemia 1378. He died in Prague and was buried in the cathedral.

Other Parlers His son Wenzel Parler (Wenceslaus) (died 1404) also worked on Prague Cathedral, and later in Vienna.

Peter's brother Michael Parler (born c. 1358) is known to have worked on a monastery in Goldenkron (Koruna), Bohemia, and a minster in Ulm. Other members of the family include Johann Parler, who worked on the cathedrals of Freiburg and Basel in the 1350s, and Michael of Freiburg, who was master of works at Strasbourg Cathedral during the 1380s.