Lambert van Haven (16 April 1630 - 9 May 1695) was a Danish-Norwegian architect, master builder and painter. He was born in Bergen, the son of the artist Solomon van Haven who had already succeeded in winning the favour of the Danish-Norwegian monarchy.[1]
Starting in 1653, he spent some 16 years travelling in Italy, France and the Netherlands where he studied Baroque painting and architecture.[2]
Under Christian V, he was appointed Denmark-Norway's first official General Building Master in 1671 with overall responsibility for executing the king's architectural wishes.[3] He died in Copenhagen.
Principal works
Church of Our Saviour
Lambert van Haven: Church of Our Saviour, Copenhagen
Commissioned by Christian V, van Haven also designed the imposing new Nørreport city gate (1671) after the original gate had fallen into disrepair.[5] Until it was dismantled in 1857, it was considered to be the tallest and finest of Copenhagen's city gates with fine sandstone ornamentation.
Frederiksborg interiors
Inspired by the Italian and French Baroque style, especially Bernini's, he designed the interiors of Frederiksborg Palace which had been damaged by fire. The Audience Chamber, glorifying Christian V, is considered a masterpiece.[6]