Abstract
As recent researches in archives, map libraries and the physical building have revealed, the Festetics palace of Keszthely was built in three main periods, and between the second and the third phases a major reconstruction can also be identified. The approximately rectangular eastern main wing was built during the proprietorship of Kristóf Festetics in 1745 and 1750 in baroque style. It is not yet known who designed this phase of construction, but the finishing touches were done with manorial master builder Kristóf Hoffstedter playing an important role. Though the surviving plans suggest that on several occasions the idea of extending the building to a U shape was considered, an asymmetrical L-shaped southern wing was eventually built during Count György (I) Festetics between 1792 and 1804 with its outward-turning section as the library wing. The neo-classical late baroque style addition was based on the logic of Kristóf Hoffstedter’s earlier plans. In 1866 Tasziló (I) Festetics had the residence modified in historicist style, after plans most probably made by the Viennese architect Friedrich Flohr who also supervised the construction. The current form of the palace emerged during the proprietorship of Count (later Prince) Tasziló (II) Festetics in 1883-87 under the aegis of historicism, in revived baroque and rococo styles. That was when the northern L-shaped wing was added, to complete one of the largest aristocratic Hungarian mansions. The plans of reconstruction and extension were made by the Viennese architect Victor Rumpelmayer under the guidance of the owner. Nine plan drawings in ink survive in the archive. After the death of the architect in 1885 construction went on under the supervision of Viennese architects and building contractors Gustav Haas and Maximilian Paschkis. The building contractor was the firm of Oskar Laske. For the interior design and the decoration of the suites and central spaces the Viennese Portois and Fix company was contracted.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
