The Kunstkammer or Art Chamber of Rudolf II is a delight. A patron of arts, science, literature and occult the Holy Roman Emperor surrounds himself with curiosities, astrologers, poets, alchemists and naughty pictures. In the Renaissance his court at Prague is a happening place.
Rudolf II is Holy Roman Emperor 1576 - 1612, born in Vienna Austria. From 1583 his court is at Prague. A collector of art and literature he builds an impressive library and supports occult arts. People like John Dee travel from afar for his patronage, but don't always get it.
Rudolf takes the throne in1576. In 1583, he moves the court to Prague. With a yen to unify Christendom, Rudolf starts the Long Turkish War (1593–1606) with the Ottoman. Sick of war, citizens in Hungary revolt, giving more authority to his younger brother Matthias.
His reign sees tolerance of Hebrews and Protestants and a cultural flowering of these groups. Rudolf is famous for his collection of paintings. His love for art is so profound he's easily entranced by a new piece, perusing its beauty for hours. He's especially fond of erotica.
His collection is extraordinary. He spares no expense in acquiring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Dürer and Brueghel. Castle guests are welcome to explore. He also supports and commissions contemporary artists, nurturing a vibrant creative community around him.
Trying to do the right thing, he educates a boy borne by his mistress, sending him to another castle when he's old enough. The son lives in filth, abuses and murders a barber's daughter, refuses to bathe and dies of a ruptured ulcer. This feeds superstitions and courtly rumor mills.
Rudolf patronizes astronomers Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler, and is so fascinated by Michael Maier he makes Maier a knight the day after meeting him. His interest in the occult, including astrology and alchemy, reflect the intellectual climate of the Renaissance era.
Seeking and exploring the unknown, and discovering new lands are in demand. Curiosity chambers, art rooms or Kunstkammern are popular among collectors. They range from a few shelves to Rudolf's three-room extravaganza.
Rudolf commissions increasingly indiscrete artworks. The Emperor is the subject of rumors spread by enemies in his family, and the Catholic Church, in the years leading up to his ultimate deposition. Sexual allegations arise, more than just gossip.
He never marries although more than once he uses himself as bait to close deals in business or politics. However, beneath his outward pursuits and intellectual endeavors, Rudolf II struggles with inner demons.
Like many in the Habsburg family, he experiences bouts of melancholy, a condition we now recognize as depression. Episodes of despondency and introspection weigh heavily, gradually eroding his mental well-being.
When struck with these spells, he withdraws from the demands of public life. As his reign progresses, Rudolf II increasingly retreats into his personal interests, mystic and scholarly pursuits. Often during bouts of seclusion he has relationships with men in his employ.
One lover influences his military and political decisions for years, to the indignation of courtiers. At the same time Rudolf is attracted to women, having several children with a mistress and numerous affairs with other women.
Rudolf encounters alchemist Edward Kelley, who claims he can make gold out of base metals. He's the same Edward Kelley who cons John Dee into sharing wives, saying it's the wish of angels. When Kelley fails and can't pay back the cash deposit, Rudolf throws him in prison.
Kelley makes a deal, saying he's ready to make gold. He persuades Rudolf to let him resume his alchemy work. This leads to Kelley's release and reinstatement. When again he fails to deliver, it's back to prison. Kelley tries to escape, breaks his leg and dies from his injuries.
Besides art and curiosities, the collection of Rudolf II has a huge section of minerals like obsidian, geodes, precious and peculiar stones. It grows so vast he hires a caretaker, a keen minerologist, to care for the collection.
He's considered the most active mineral collector of the Renaissance. Labeling and identifying stones help scholars and natural philosophers of the day recognize these stones in the field. For those inclined to mystic, stones are among the items used in Renaissance natural magic.
Rudolf II comes from a long line of esteemed monarchs. In theory, emperors are elected. In practice, the position of Holy Roman Emperor has been held by the House of Habsburg since 1440. He continues to stubbornly push his war against the Ottoman Empire.
The beleaguered citizens call his brother Matthias for help. Rudolf is forced to cede all his lands and titles except that of Holy Roman Emperor. In 1611 Matthias takes it too. Next year, Rudolf dies. His books and art are dispersed. What's left is later looted by Swedish troops.
The troops take many of the treasures back to Stockholm, there to come under the seeking eye of Queen Christina of Sweden. She abdicates the throne, moves to Rome and becomes an alchemist.
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