15. - 16. century
Benedikt Ried
Architect and stonecutter of the Late Gothic era
Significant photo
Photogallery
Description
The first mention of his activity in Prague dates back to 1489. Reid executed his greatest works in Prague and its close surroundings. He primarily contributed to the completion of the Prague Castle, from the modernization of its fortification to the oratory in the St Vitus Cathedral. Reid’s greatest work is the ceremonial and knight’s hall called the Vladislas Hall. It is distinguished
by a daringly built vault, with curling ribs that cross to form complicated stellar patterns, evoking the image of the rotation of celestial bodies. In his time it was the biggest vaulted room without central pillars in Europe. Genrally speaking, Reid’s work was characterized by the harmonious combination of Late Gothic principles and Early Renaissance elements.
