Otra aproximación a Carl Gangolf Kaiser (1837-1895), arquitecto de la corte del emperador Maximiliano

Abstract

Michael Drewes has studied the artistic atmosphere surrounding the second emperor of Mexico, Maximilian of Austria. In at least two previous articles published in (numbers 59 and 63) the Anales del Instituto de Investigaciones Estéticas (Annals of the Esthetic Research Institute), he dealt with the topic of architect Carl Gangolf Kaiser, an artist who submitted varying construction and remodeling projects to Maximilian. It might be suggested that, due to his youthfulness, the projects developed by this architect for remodeling prominent buildings like Chapultepec Castle or the National Palace tended to depart from the original spirit with which they were built. Rather than restoration or updating work, his models were conceived as costly European buildings that strove to change the physiognomy of Mexico City, making it a refection of XIX century Vienna. Even though he created a large number of drawings and was involved in numerous official and private projects, as confirmed by Austrian archives, none of these proposals seem to have been implemented. We are certain that none of his proposals for government buildings were ever commissioned. Likewise, it would be very difficult to ascertain whether any of his projects for private homes actually came about; were this the case, it would seem that none have survived. The article provides information on this prominent architect and describes several of his projects.