Eicke's House, known locally as Eickesches Haus, is a remarkable gem nestled in the pedestrian zone of Einbeck, Lower Saxony, Germany. This richly adorned half-timbered house is a testament to the late Renaissance period, showcasing a stunning array of carved wooden figures and motifs. Today, it serves as the town’s tourism information center and cultural hub, inviting visitors to explore its historical and architectural splendor.
Constructed around 1612, Eicke's House stands as a proud example of Renaissance architecture. Although the original builder and architect remain unknown, the house was commissioned by a merchant, strategically located near the former Clarisse Convent. The building’s design is a harmonious blend of functionality and artistry, with its five-bay width facing the Marktstraße and extending eight bays deep.
Initially, the ground floor housed a spacious hall and partial mezzanine, while the first floor served as the living quarters. The second floor and attic were used for storage. The house was ingeniously built without its own southern wall, instead sharing it with the neighboring building. Over the centuries, Eicke's House underwent several modifications, including the closing of a side entrance in the 18th century and the addition of large shop windows in the 19th century.
The true allure of Eicke's House lies in its elaborate carvings, which capture the essence of humanism, the Reformation, and the Renaissance. The facades are adorned with intricate woodwork, featuring 51 consoles and numerous ornamental panels. Among the 42 existing balustrade panels, visitors can admire depictions of Christ, the Four Evangelists, the Five Senses, and the Planetary Deities, as well as representations of the Seven Liberal Arts, virtues like Faith, Love, and Patience, and muses such as Erato and Polyhymnia.
The window zones above the balustrades are home to figures of the eleven Apostles, seven warriors, and 25 herm pilasters. Additionally, 110 carved heads and masks add to the building's visual narrative. Notably, the front corner beam features three warrior figures, each seemingly supporting the floors above them. The inscriptions, written in Middle Low German, draw from the Proverbs of Solomon and the 37th Psalm, adding a layer of literary depth to the structure.
By the late 19th century, Eicke's House had fallen into disrepair, prompting a series of restoration efforts. In 1888, the facade facing Marktstraße was unveiled after being covered for 62 years, and restoration continued until 1894. The merchant Hermann Eicke, after whom the house is named, spearheaded these efforts with the city’s support. During this time, damaged carvings, especially the heads on the beam ends, were meticulously restored.
In 1902, the facade received a polychrome finish, designed by Hanoverian artist Reinhold Ebeling. This vibrant color scheme brought new life to the carvings, though it wasn’t until 2007/08 that the house was restored to its historical wooden appearance, using linseed oil to mimic the original 1888 finish. In 2009, Eicke's House was honored with the German Timber-Frame Award for its exemplary restoration, solidifying its status as a national architectural treasure.
Eicke's House is unparalleled in Northern Germany for its unique corner design, making it a monument of national significance. Its rich carvings are reminiscent of the timber-framed buildings in Hildesheim, many of which were lost during World War II, and the Old Latin School in Alfeld, built by Andreas Steiger in 1610. In comparison, the Kassebeersche House in Northeim lacks such extensive figurative decoration. A later comparable structure is the Krummelsche House in Wernigerode, dating to 1674.
Today, Eicke's House is more than just a historical landmark; it is a vibrant part of Einbeck’s cultural landscape. Visitors can explore the building’s intricate carvings and learn about its rich history through the onsite tourism information center. The house stands as a symbol of the town’s heritage, celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship of a bygone era.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, Eicke's House offers a captivating glimpse into the past. Its walls and carvings tell stories of cultural evolution, artistic expression, and the enduring spirit of a community dedicated to preserving its legacy. A visit to Eicke's House is a journey through time, inviting you to discover the beauty and history of Einbeck in all its glory.
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