9. The Eisenstein House

9. The Eisenstein House

Hlavní třída 6

Knight Adalbert von Eisenstein, the owner of the lime works and quarry in Bohdíkov, acquired the original farmstead before 1882. Together with his wife Maria Oberleithner, he wanted to turn it into a Neo-Renaissance residence based on the design of the architect Karel Seidl. The façade is dominated by a protruding central bay with a three-panelled Palladian window and sculptural decoration in the gable.

Karel Seidl came from a business family that was well-known all over Šumperk. However, he did not venture into the textile industry like his relatives, but rather became a world-renowned architect. He was taught by Theophil von Hansen and showed his artistic, bohemian side in his lifestyle as well as in his appearance. He also worked in Vienna, where he enjoyed the favour of the highest circles of society. He played tarot cards with Countess Metternich and Emperor Franz Joseph I. Even though he was very popular, he was unable to make ends meet with merely his designs. Fortunately, he lived comfortably, thanks to his share of the family business. Apart from Šumperk, Seidl’s designs can also be found in Łódź, Poland and along the Adriatic coast in Croatia.