Munich – Nymphenburg Palace

Posted on 9 July 2024 by boryssnorc

Muchen… thirty years on… the drive into the city was uneventful, and most of what we were concentrating on was the traffic! We had arrived well before we could check into our accomodations and the EuroCup stuff we needed to see would be this evening and tomorrow, so decided to go do a bit of touristing before braving the inner city and the football hooligans. I didn’t manage to get to Nymphenburg when I was here last; we were a bit touristed out by the time we got here in ‘95 and in desperate need for a Sea Day – only I didn’t know what those were yet!

Nymphenburg Palace was established as a summer palace residence for the birth of the long anticipated heir to the Bavarian throne, Max Emanuel. He was born in 1662 to the Bavarian Elector Ferdinand Maria and his wife, Henrietta Adelaide of Savoy after nearly ten years of marriage. This site on the edge of exisiting court lands to the west of München and the Residenz was chosen for the new palace because at that time it was some way out of the city and was surrounded by cool open countryside. Construction began in 1664 under the direction of an Italian architect Agostino Barettli, who also is responsible for the design of Munich’s Theatine Church.

Initially the Nymphenburg summer residence was to be an enormous cubic pavilion, flanked with a court church, several outbuildings and a small, walled formal garden. By 1679, the initial stages of the palace complex was nearly completed. The present day Palace with it’s simply massive scale was completed under the elector Max Emanuel (his reign was 1680-1726), and supervised by the court architect Henrico Zuccalli who added two off-set pavilions on each side of the original structure to the north and south. By 1701, the two pavilions were linked with the central edifice by galleries – because well, you can never have too much space for when unexpected relatives drop round. This is seriously the largest palace I think I have ever visited (that or my memory is playing tricks on me).

The Great Hall… Nymphenburg was presented to Henrietta with the land to mark the birth of her son and Heir in 1662; the Italian born princess called her Baroque country seat, “Borgo Delle Ninfe”, Castle of the Nymphs. It because a very popular summer residence with the Bavarian rulers and numerous members of the Wittelsbach dynasty contributed to it with Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical additions.

The light filled Great Hall is in the centre of the Palace and was redecorated under Elector Max III Joseph in the Rococo style in the mid 18thC by Bavarian artist Johann Baptist Zimmerman. The colourful ceiling depicts nymphs and flower goddess Flora in an Arcadian landscape bringing nature into the palace, under and Olympian heaven with its Gods.

Entry to the hall was via external flights of steps on the city and the garden side of the hall, making a grand staircase unnecessary. Musicians would entertain guests from the gallery in the image below.

The North Antechamber- originally the Elector’s chamber.

Another antechamber?

The Elector’s Bedchamber.

Private Cabinet.

The start of Max Emanuel’s Great Gallery of Beauties.

The North Karl-Theordor Rooms.

King Ludwig I’s Gallery of Beauties.
From 1827 to 1850 by order of King Ludwig I of Bavaria, court painter Joseph Stieler created the impressive series of portraits of 36 beautiful women from a variety of social classes, ranging from the daughter of a shoemaker to the daughter of a king. What he produced was a ‘compendium of feminine beauty’ in accordance with the King’s personal preferences of course… at that time beauty was considered to be an outward sign of moral perfection; though I find myself asking what these women and their mamas were willing to do to get their daughters into the King’s Collection.
King Ludwig was known to have been fascinated by female beauty from a young age, which more or less nowadays just reads like he was maybe a lecherous fucker. These paintings were hung near the Queen’s chambers – I wonder how she felt about being confronted daily by her husband’s ’beauty ideals’ in this way.

Angus: ‘She looks like Princess Leia.’

The Queen’s Study… current decorations from the late 18thC when Queen Caroline occupied these apartments. She was the second wife to King Max I Joseph.

Lady in Waiting Room

Queen’s Audience Chamber.

Waiting room outside the Queen’s Audience Chamber.

The Queen’s Bedroom – and birthplace of King Ludwig II… this room contains Queen Caroline’s original furnishings including the original mahogany furniture which was made in Munich in 1815.

Cooling Vessel front the Pearl Service. Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory, c.1792-95.

Max Emanuel when he had the palace enlarged, had the gardens reshaped and a canal created to divert water from the Würm River tot he park. However, he ended up leaving Bavaria (the unfortunate consequence of his defeat in the Spanish War of Succession in 1703) and all his grande works were interrupted.

Max Emanuel had the palace enlarged, the gardens reshaped and a canal dug out to divert water from the Würm to the park. Max Emanuel however had to leave Bavaria, in consequence of his defeat in the Spanish War of Succession in 1704. As a result, all work was initially interrupted. It would not be until 1715 that the works recommenced.

Gala Sedan Chari of Electress Maria Antonia, c. 1685.

Seda Chair with lacquer decoration belonging to the Wittelsbachers, in their heraldic blue and silver. Made for Electress Maria Anna Sophie of Saxony in 1747.

Children’s Garden Calash (bit like a go-kart?). It was for use of the little princes and princesses in the gardens and residences. To protect the floors it had wheels of felt, and was drawn by pony, large dogs, sheep or even goats! On the front assembly is a Pelican feeding its young – a symbol of selfless parental love. Awwww.

Gala Harness for the Coronation of Emperor Karl VII on 12 February, 1742… of which, the ever so modest Karl wrote in his diary: “All are agreed that no coronation was ever more glittering or more marvellous than mine!”

Sumptuary laws at the time stated that only an Emperor or King could have a carriage pulled by 8 horses.

The ‘New Munich Coach’ or the first Coronation Coach of King Max I Joseph, 4th February 1819.

Second Coronation Coach of King Max I Joseph… Bavaria became a Kingdom through their alliance with the French Emperor Napoleon, however soon after Napoleon was exiled, Bavaria switched allegiances and King Max I Joseph require a second coronation in 1818.

Opulent, gilded sleighs with figural decorations can be dated back to the 16thC at the Munich Court. In the inventory of hte Court stables from the year 1600, they are listed separately as ordinary sleighs for overland travel. These were used as normal conveyances and had a somewhat romantic connotation (like a Venetian gondola due to the proximity of the riders), but also used as competitive amusements as sleighs were driven by their ‘cavaliers’ along a marked course while his lady would attempt to hit rings or paper mache targets with a lance or sword.

Carousel Sleigh, with Hercules and the Seven-Headed Hydra. Made for Elector Max Emanuel, c.1680.

Carousel Sleigh with Cupid, c. 1725.

Carousel Sleigh with Diana, Goddess of Hunting. Commissioned by Elector Karl Albrecht in 1740.

Child’s Slight with Jupiter. King Max I Joseph sold off seven ornate sleighs in 1818 but this one was kept to display. It was intended for indoor use and was for the amusement of the princes and princesses inside the palace.

Carousel Sleigh with Jupiter, c.1725.

Ornate Horse Blanket with gilded sleigh bells. Commissioned for Elector Karl Albrect, later Emperor Karl VII, the horse blanket contains 426 gilded bells which announced the approach of a horse drawn sleigh. C.1737/38. This museum actually has a recording running constantly of what these bells sound like on a horse when it’s moving… cute. At first.

Model of King Ludwig II’s putto Sleigh. Gold and silversmith Ferdinand Harrach, Munich, c. 1872.

LEFT: First Nymph Sleigh made for King Ludwig II, Dresden, c.late 18thC.
RIGHT: Second Nymph Sleigh made for King Ludwig II, Munich, 1881.

Putti Sleigh made for King Ludwig II, Munich 1872.. then the tag enigmatically says: ‘Electrified in 1875’.
With no further details! Ripped off!.

New Dress Coach for King Ludwig II, Designed by Franz von Seitz, Munich 1870/71.

SO. MUCH. GILDING!

Small Dress Coach made for Ludwig II, Designed by Franz von Seitz, Munich 1878.

There were other horsey things in the Marshall Collection at the Palace, but I have to say I’m not so much a horsey person, so didn’t pay too much attention.

Mane Clothes and Rosettes, 18thC.

Five Tassels for the Corpus Christi harnesses, c.1880.

Then we discovered there was another whole building (ex-stable) filled with even more carriages, though these were a bit more for workdays rather than ceremonial poncing about.

Hearse used for Queen Marie Theres and Crown Prince Rupprecht, c.1888.

Dress Coach of gather Pfalzgraf Max von Zweibrücken, c.1784/85.

The Karlsruhe Town Coach, later Dress Carriage of King Max I Joseph, c. 1816.

Full on visit. Walked about 3kms around the Palace… and it was like Brisbane-summer-hot, here today! What’s that about Germany?

So much over the top, golden, ostentatiousness… it’s like Trump’s decorator was here and vomited gilt all over the place!

Hanover and Landesmusuem

Posted on 30 June 2024 by boryssnorc

Literally around the corner from our hotel was Hanover’s famous art museum, the Landesmuseum. Naturally, we knew we could spend a few hours there checking out numerous artworks, the likes of which would get an entire wing dedicated to them should even one of these pieces be in a museum back home!

St Peter,
Evert van Roden (attributed)
Münster, c 1460

Madonna Enthroned
Lower Saxony, c. 1180 Linden wood, originally painted.

Death of Mary, Lower Saxony, c.1300/1310, Oak
The altarpiece from the former Augustinian convent in Wennigsen has only a few surviving panel paintings from the early 14thC. The apostles and a bishop have gathered at Mary’s deathbed. In the middle appears Christ, who has descended from heaven to collect Mary’s soul in the form of a small, white-clad figure.

Ten Commandments panel. Master of the Göttingen Jacobi Church Altar, c.1400. Oak.
The wings of this work, were originally mounted on both sides of the central panel, have been lost. Therefore, only six of the ten commandments can be seen. They are recited by God, who appears in a rainbow, and illustrated using stories from the Old Testament.

Christ with the Wise and Foolish Virgins, Lower Saxony, c. 1310-1320, Oak.
The heavenly judge turns to five expectant women with burning lamps. The ladies on the other side, however, are denied the kingdom of heaven. They had managed their finances poorly, and the oil in their lamps had run out before the longed-for bridegroom appeared in the night. The panel admonished the women in the Isenhagen monastery to live a life pleasing to God in preparation for the Last Judgement.

Childhood and Passion of Christ, Lower Saxony or Westphalia, c,1390, oak.
The two panels acquired from the Aegidienkirche in Hanover Münden once formed the wings of an altarpiece, the middle of which has been lost. When opened, the work was almost eight meters wide. The scenes from the life of Jesus are separated from one another by an artfully painted decorative architecture. A differentiated color scheme and a special interest in costume details characterize the painting.

Panel 2

Annunciation to Mary and Coronation of Mary, Masster Bertram Minden, c.1340-1414/14, Hamburg, oak.
The panels formed the outside of the altar on the left. The Annunciation to Mary and her coronation in heaven highlight the importance of the Mother of God in the salvation process. The robes, halos, crowns and angel wings once shimmered in gold and silver, the lions identify Mary as the Queen of Heaven.

Passion Altar, Master Bertram Minden, c. 1340 – 1414/15 Hamburg, Oak.
It is rare to be able to link the painters mentioned in the written reports with surviving works. In northern Germany, Master Bertram is the exception: he came from Westphalia, was familiar with the art of the imperial court in Prague and with the latest painting in the Netherlands, and ran a successful workshop in Hamburg. The altarpiece was probably created in his studio.
Inv.

The Gottingen Barfusseraltar, Gottingen, c.1424, oak and spruce.
St Francis of Assisi’s followers were committed to poverty, as itinerant preachers in towns and cities, they walked barefoot or clad in simple sandals, for that reason they were also know as ‘barefoot friars’ (German: Barfuss).

The Golden Panel
Lüneburg, c. 1420-1430, Oak

The ‘back’ or outside of the Golden Panel… simply stunning.

Arm reliquaries of Saints Valerius and Pancras, Lower Saxony, c. 1150/1175, Lime wood.

Reliquary bust: 1 of the 11,000 virgins Depicted as St Ursula, Lower Saxony (Lüneburg?), c.1300, oak.

Two reliquary busts of the 11,000 virgins, Lower Saxony (Lüneburg?), c.1432, lime wood, silver-plated.

Reliquary box, Lüneburg, 15th, Wood, silver-plated and gold-plated.

Reliquary box, Lüneburg, 15th, Wood, silver-plated and gold-plated.

Reliquary in the form of a book/ ivory tablet from the Romanos group
Lower Saxony, 14th/15th century / Constantinople, around 950, wood, linen fabric, parchment / ivory

Cross base with the resurrected Adam, West Germany, 11th/12th century Bronze, remains of gilding

Two ivory boxes, Sicily or southern Italy, 12th/14th century.

Cain and Abel chest, Lower Saxony, Westphalia, 11th century… c. 1230, oak core,

Enamelled reliquary box, Lower Saxony, Rhineland, Maas region, 12th-13th century, wood, copper, pit enamel, brown varnish

Abraham casket, West Germany, Lower Saxony, c.1025-1050, oak, copper-gilt fittings.

Two bowls for washing hands, Limoges, late 12thC, copper, enamelled, gold-plated
The magnificent bowls bear the coat of arms of the French ruling dynasty of the Plantagenêt. They were originally used for washing hands during courtly table ceremonies. They probably came to Lüneburg via Richard the Lionheart. HOLY SHIT!!!

Leather box, Lower Saxony, around 1300 wood, leather-covered, stamped and then painted.

Portable Triptych Relics, German, c.1432, wood, painted, horn discs.
According to the inscription and coat of arms, the triptych belongs to the foundation of Duke Bernhard I of Brunswick-Lüneburg. A large number of relics are kept behind transparent horn discs, for example pieces of the the Holy Cross, from James the Elder and from the Holy Sepulchre.

Octagonal container,
Italy, 14th C
Leather, parchment, pastiglia

The container covered with colored parchment strips is an extremely rare and beautiful piece. Before it was converted into a reliquary, it may have served as a cover for a drinking cup.

Lambert Altar, Master of the so-called Hildesheim, 12 panels of a Passion Altarpiece, c.1420/30, Oak

Diptych, Lower Saxony (Hildesheim), c.1420, Lime wood

The Tree of Life, c.1400, Master of the Richardson Triptych active in Sama (1370-1418), poplar wood.

Crucifixion Altar c.1506, Hans Raphon (1460-1512), Göttingen or Northeim, lime wood.

Mercy Altar, c,1510/1520, Tilman Riemenschneider (and workshop operating 1460-1531), Heiligenstadt/Eichsfeld, Würzburg, Lime wood.

Family altar, Lower Saxony, c. 1500/1510, Lime wood (?)
St. Anne, Mary’s mother, was particularly popular in the late Middle Ages. A chapel was dedicated to her in the Hanover Kreuzkirche, for which the winged altar was created. Her daughters, grandchildren, husbands and sons-in-law have gathered around the saint. On the wings there are various scenes from her life on the left, and the birth of Mary on the right.

Mother of God Altar c.1510 to 1515,, Hans Raphon, Göttingen or Northeim c,1460-1512 and Bartold Kastrop, Northeim c.1465-1531/1532 Göttingen, oak wood.
The Madonna is based on a copperplate engraving by Albrecht Dürer. His works of art printed on paper quickly spread and were often used as templates by other artists. The altarpiece was created for the Einbeck collegiate church of St. Alexandri,

Rosary altar, c. 1500, South Lower Saxony (Einbeck), oak.
The center of this winged altar is occupied by the Mother of God accompanied by angels.
Mary stands on a crescent moon and is surrounded by a halo of rays; the crown also identifies her as the Queen of Heaven. (I love the facial expression on the guy in the bottom right image)

Christ and Mary on Golgotha, c.1505, Hans Holbein the Elder, Augsburg, (1465- 1524), lime wood.
The thorn-crowned Christ sits on the cross and is mourned by Mary. A moment of pause is captured on Mount Golgotha, which Holbein characterizes as a hilly landscape and makes recognizable by skulls and bones.

John the Ev. and Jacob the Elder, c. 1510, oak
The two saints are deceptively realistic painted sculptures set in a stone architecture made of reddish marble. Such painted sculptures were particularly popular in the Netherlands. They were usually found on the outside of the winged altars, which then unfolded their full splendor of color when opened.

Portrait of a Man, Jakob Elsner, c.1507.
Nuremberg 1460/1465-1517 Nuremberg, Parchment or paper on oak.

Portrait of the Astronmer Johann Schöner, c.1528, Master of the Neudörfer Portraits active in Nuremberg around 1500-1530, Linden wood.

Female Saint, c.1510, Tilman Riemenschneider, Heiligenstadt/Eichsfeld, active 1460-1531, Würzburg,
Limewood, painted in color – the figure is carved from limewood, a material that can be worked in many different ways. The garments form a delicate relief. The carver has masterfully crafted the turban-like headdress, the veil and the wavy hair. Originally a standing figure an early collector sawed off the bottom of the work and converted it into a bust.

John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene, c. 1515, Hans Suess von Kulmbach (1470 – 1522),
Nuremberg, lime wood

The Saints Sebastian and Rochus, c.1518, Hans Suess von Kulmbach, (1470-1522),
Nuremberg, linden wood.

Venus with Cupid, c. 1515-1520, Lucas Cranach the Elder
Kronach 1472-1553 Weimar, transferred to plywood
The painting corresponds entirely to the Renaissance’s renewed interest in the female nude.
Venus appears life-sized. Her skin color and posture are reminiscent of ancient sculptures.

Lucrezia, c.1525, Lucas Cranach the Elder, Kronach 1472-1553 Weimar. Beechwood.

Martin Luther and Katharine von Bora, c.1528, Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553) Weimar, beechwood
In 1525, the former Augustinian monk, Martin Luther married the nun, Katharina von Bora. By marrying, both broke their church vow of celibacy. The portraits became so popular at the time that numerous replicas were soon created.

The martyrdom of the seven sons of Felicitas c. 1530/1535, Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553), Weimar, Oak wood.

Salvator Mundi panel, c.1537, Hans Kemmer (1495- 1561) Lübeck, oak wood.
The woman’s jewelry helps to identify the couple praying to the Savior: it is quite likely that her shoulder amulet shows the heraldic animal of the Lübeck merchant Carsten Timmermann. The couple probably commissioned the painting in memory of a deceased child. It was executed by Cranach’s student Hans Kemmer, who was the leading painter in Lübeck since the Reformation.
Inv.

Portraits of a Donor Couple, c.1520, Bartholomäus Bruyn the Elder (1493-1544), Cologne, oak.

Lucrezia, c.1510, Sodoma (actually Giovanni Antonio Bazzi) Vercelli, 1477- 1549 Siena, poplar wood.

Portrait bust of Grand Ducke Fernando I de Medici, c.158790,
Pietro Francavilla Cambrai (1548 – 1615), Paris, marble.
In antique idealization, the portrait bust shows the third ruler of the younger Medici line, Ferdinando I (1549-1609). Under his leadership, the House of Medici achieved its greatest power and significant influence throughout Europe.

Annunciation to Mary, c.1500/15150, Sandro Botticelli (workshop), Florence 1445 – 1510 Florence, poplar wood. Once developed, compositions were used more frequently in Sandro Botticelli’s studio. The Annunciation angel resembles a painting in the Uffizi in Florence, and the Virgin Mary resembles a painting now kept in London. The work was created for the private devotion of the woman kneeling in front; the black robe and white bonnet identify her as a widow.

St Peter in a wreath of fruit, c.1470-80. Pietro Perugino, (1448-1524), Fontignano, poplar

Adoration of the Child with the Infant Saint John, c.1490.
Sandro Botticelli (workshop), Florence 1445 – 1510, poplar wood.

Portrait of Francesco Alunno, c.1510.
Lorenzo di Credi, Florence 1459-1537 Florence, poplar wood.
The art writer Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574) praised Lorenzo di Credi’s painting style highly: It shows a finesse that surpasses any other painting. This alludes to the smooth texture of the oil painting, which also characterizes the charming portrait of the young scholar. An inscription identifies the person depicted as the lexicographer Francesco Alunno from Ferrara.

The Arrival of Aeneas at Dido’s c. 1460
Apollonio di Giovanni, Florence 1415/1417-1465, poplar wood.
In the 15th century, a bride was led to her new home in a wedding procession. Chests were carried along and used as furniture. The love story of Dido and Aeneas is shown on the chest front. Above, Aeneas arrives in Carthage; on the right, Dido welcomes him in the hall of a temple.

The Banquet and the hunt of Dido, c. 1460
The second chest front shows further events from the Aeneid by the ancient poet Virgil (70-90 BC). On the left, a banquet is being prepared for Aeneas, on the right, the company goes hunting. There, Dido and Aeneas are surprised by a thunderstorm. They flee into a cave, the scene of their night of love.

I can’t believe that I got all the way through adding these photos in, and translating descriptions and adding those in too – and totally forgot the one thing I made a mental note about while I was in the musuem! There are sensors EVERYWHERE in these galleries – and when you step too close to the artworks, a recording comes on, (with music) saying, (in English) quite loud, “STOP IN THE NAME OF ART! Before you break some art!” Kinda to the tune of the song, “Stop in the Name of Love!”, which was equal parts initially alarming, then amusing and eventually annoying. Wouldn’t have been so bad if you only heard it once or twice, but it was going off constantly – and you know why? Because the information plaques are so close to each of the artworks, and some as much as 30cm BEHIND artworks that stood proud of walls, meaning every time some old biddy leaned into to read the descriptions, or some finickity history nerd like me leaned in to take a photo of the descriptions, the damn sensors were triggered and the hideous recording went off. Again and again. It must have been set off over 50 times for the couple of hours we were in there. Never seen such an obnoxious security system in a museum before (unless you count the overly stern and officious ‘Shushhh’ing Nuns of The Vatican Museum’ – those women are seriously obnoxious but unsurprisingly, very efficient!

Aaaanyway… after checking out the medieval galleries of the Landesmuseum, we decided to take a wander through the Maschpark, Historical Garden. Gotta say, Hanover has loads of beautiful green spaces and feels like a very liveable city.

In this prettyish kind of wilderness is an enormous lake full of ducks and probably e-scooters!

the Neues Rathaus – or New Town Hall.

Started to rain, so we decided to bail and leave the very goose looking ducks to their weather.

Cologne

Posted on 27 June 2024 by boryssnorc

Cologne Cathedral is enormous! Like most important cathedrals and churches in Europe, it was built on very early Christian sites. In this case, on the site where early Roman Christians met in Cologne around 300AD. The building as it exists today wasn’t started until the high gothic era – around 1248, and unlike many other cathedrals that took hundreds of years to complete, the build plans never changed.

It’s hard to imagine that everyone who worked on the construction of this magnificent cathedral all knew that they would never live to see the endeavour completed. The plan to build the cathedral was started in 1164, when there was an agreed upon transfer of some relics to the town. In 1225, the planning for a bishop’s residence and pilgrimage church were established, and the prior building (from the 9thC) was demolished. In 1248 the foundation stone was laid.

In the 1360s building work slowed down, as the foundations were completed and some areas of the cathedral were already consecrated and put to use as a church. It wasn’t until the 15thC that the south steeple was completed at a massive height of 58m tall. Around 1530, work on the cathedral came to a halt all together as most of the ground floor, the nave, the choir, transepts and two lower storeys became usable.

And it pretty much stayed in that condition until 1794 when the French Revolution troops invaded and the archdiocese of Cologne was abolished. The cathedral was temporarily used as a fodder storage room and also as a makeshift prisoner of war camp! It wasn’t used as a church again until 1801, and the archdiocese wasn’t reestablished until 1821.

Construction eventually resumed on the cathedral in 1842 to be finally completed in 1880 – and all still to the exact same plans that were laid out in 1225! Which is just unbelievable when you think about how difficult it is to get a committee of five people to agree on how a fucking bus shelter should be built these days… let alone be able to keep an enormously intricate build of this calibre, going to the original plans and specifications for over 600 years and generation upon generation of architects, stonemasons, builders and who knows how many other masters and craftsmen, involved. It’s simply amazing.

In WWII, Cologne was reduced to rubble, and the cathedral was severely damaged by numerous bombs. Entire bays of the vaulted ceilings were collapsed and various windows were blasted out. One bomb tore an enormous hole in the western facade and destroyed a supporting buttress which was hastily stored up with makeshift bricks. Due to the construction techniques though, the bulk of the cathedral was able to withstand the shock of the blasts and vibrations. At the end of the war, it stuck out of a massive field of debris and destruction, looking largely undamaged compared to the rest of the city.

These windows were created in 1884, and based on a designed by Johannes Klein. Six of the eight windows were destroyed in WWII and remade in the 1990s.

This picture does not come close to conveying the sense of enormity and proportion this cathedral has. It feels as big as the Hagia Sofia, or the Florence Cathedral, the only other medieval cathedral that I remember feeling this overwhelming sense ginormity is possibly St Peter’s in the Vatican.

Altarpiece of St Claire, c.1350-1360. Oldest existing retable that contains a tabernacle for holding the sacraments. Originally came from the former Franciscan convent of St Clare and has resided in Cologne cathedral since 1811.

The ‘swallows nest’ organ was built in 1998 to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the Cathedral.

Crucifix of Gero (because… donated by some Bishop Gero c.976). At over 1000 years old, and considered one of the first larger than life size sculptures of the midlands, it represents Christ in the moment of death, through which mankind was redeemed. The Baroque altar was added in 1683 by Canon Heinrich von Mering. The Crucifix was said to be miraculous, and has been especially venerated over the centuries.

Statue of Grace depicting Our Lady, decorated with jewellery – also known as the Schmuckmadonna (great name!).

I just can’t get over the scale of this place.

Altarpiece of St Agilolph carved timber and painted. Antwerp c.1520.
From the former collegiate church of Our Lady at the Steps (St Maria ad Gradus).

St Heribert’s Shrine, c.970. Heriberto was born in Worms to Count Hugo and Tietwista – his maternal half brother was Heinrich, Bishop of Wurzburg. Silver, gilded, gold, precious gems and enamel, Cologne. It is under glass and has a rope around it so it ws difficult to photograph – but stunning enamel work!

St Christoper statue, Tilman van der Burch, c.1470.

Intricate mosaics cover 1,350sqm of the cathedral floor and are based on designs by August Essenwein – and created and laid 1885-1892 by Villeroy and Boch in Mettlach (believe it or not!). Villeroy and Boch… not just overpriced crystal!

The Altarpiece of the City’s Patron Saints – originally created c.1445 the triptych is attributed to Stephan Lochner, Cologne. The central panel portrays Adoration of the Magi flanked by St Ursula and her companion, St Gereon, partron saints of Cologne.

Altapeice of the Magi, Wilhelm Mengelberg, c.1892.

From the crypt below the cathedral:

Visitors are able to climb the 533 steps into the south steeple for amazing views over the city of Cologne. It brings you to 100m above the ground…needless to say, me and my bung knee didn’t make the climb, but Angus did.

The Cologne Cathedral is truly impressive; it’s no wonder it was included in the original 1978 listings of World UNESCO Heritage sites. It was declared endangered in 2004 as there were plans in place to build several high rise buildings close to the Cathedral, but it was delisted from being endangered in 2006 when city planners thankfully came to their senses and put a limit on the height of modern buildings near the cathedral. It would have drastically altered the city skyline had they built up right beside it.

Some clever fundraising… hearts with the flags of all nations. For some reason, people can’t help themselves but pop some coins onto their own flags. The American heart even had a bunch of USD$1 notes plonked on it.

The Cologne Cathedral also has a rather impressive collection in their Domskammer / Treasury, which was an amazing labyrinth of tunnels underground at the back of the cathedral.

Reliquary monstrance. Cologne, c.1500. Silver, copper, gilded, rock crystal and glass.

Reliquary of the Cross from St Mary ad Gradus.
Constantinople, mid-end of the 12thC. Figures, wings and ornaments, Cologne, c.1240.
This reliquary was reset in the late Romanesque times with pieces of a Byzantine relic casket containing pieces of The Cross.

Shrine of St Engelbert. Goldsmith: Conrad Dulsbergh.
Casket Designer: Jeremiah’s Geisselbruhn. Relief Designer: Augustin Braun
Cologne, 1633, silver, partly gilded.

Reliquary of St Vincent de Paul, c.1800, silver, gilded.

Reliquary of the Cross with spectacle-glass.
Workshop of Hans von Reutlingen, Aachen, 16thC. Silver, gilded, spectacle-glass.

Statue of a deacon holding a reliquary of King Melchior. 16thC, Cologne.
Silver, gilded, glass reliquary, bronze, partly gilded, silver plated, precious stones.

Hammer and trowel, Wilhelm Pullack, Cologne, c.1842. Silver and ebony.
These tools were used by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussi when he laid the foundation stone for the completion of Cologne Cathedral on 4th Sept 1842.

Shrine of the Magi, Cologne, late 12thC.
inner wooden construction of the sharing, oak, glass, copper, gilded.

Reliquary Monstrance with links from St Peter’s Chains.
Cologne, c.1500, Silver, copper, gilded, rock crystal and glass.

Necklaces/Collars of the Mayors of the city of Koln
Cologn, 1954-1955. Gold, niello gold and silver gilded on bronze and garnet.

The Domskammer really feels like you’re walking around in a medieval vault.

Left: Crosier of Philippus Cardinal Krementz, Archbishop of Cologne (1885-1899)
– Unknown artist, Rhineland, 1868, silver, gilded and enameled.
Centre: Crosier of Herman Jospeh Schmitz, Auxiliary Bishop of Cologne (1893-1988),
– Peter Oediger, Krefeld, 1893, silver, partly gilded and enameled.
Right: Crosier of Hubertus Theophilus Samar, Archbishop of Cologne (1900-1902)
– Gabriel Hermeling, Cologne 1892, silver, gilded, enamel, precious stones.

Left: Chalice Franz Christoph Mederle. Augsburg. c. 1750. Silver, gilded.
Right: Chalice, Augsburg, late 18thC. Silver, gilded.

The Lamb of the Apocalypse. Johann Heinrich Rohr, Cologne, c.1774-1780. Silver, brass, partly gilded.

Monstrance. Franz Christoph Mederle, Augsburg, 1749/51.
Pendants: c1516. Gold, silver, gilded, and precious stones.

Necklace c.1657. Donated by Archbishop Maximilian Heinrich as jewellrey for the Schmuckmadonna.
Christian Schweling, Cologne, gold, enamel, previous stones

Matching bracelet – also by Christian Schweling, Cologne, c.1657.

Processional Cross – Silver, copper, gilded, enamel and precious stones.
Enamel plates: Limoges c.1200.
Setting: Cologne, c.1220.

The Sumptuous Monstrance. Christian Schweling, Cologne, c.1657/58.
Destroyed in 1975 when theives broke into the Treasury and reconstructed by Peter Bolg 1978-1987 using original pieces. Gold, silver, gilded, enamel, rock crystal, precious stones, pearls.

Epitaph of Jakob von Crzny, Brussels, c.1518. Bronze, gilt, brass and enamel.

Bust Reliquary of St Gregory of Spoleto. Cologne, c. 1500.
Silver party gilded, gold ring with precious stone.

Bust Reliquary of St Sebastian.
Franz Wusten, Cologne, c.1875. Silver, partly gilded, enamel, precious stones.

Reliquary of St Walburga. Wilhelm Sittmann, Cologne, c.1765. Silver Gilded.

Reliquary. Johann Heinrich Rohr, Cologne, c.1766. Silver, gilded.

Two Angels as Candleholders. Cologne, c.1500, Brass, silver, partly gilded.

Left: Censer, Rhineland, c.1500, silver.
Right: Censer, Cologne, late 16thC lid, 20thC charcoal holder and foot. Silver.

Chalices all from Cologne.
Left: 15thC silver/gilded. Centre: early 14thC, silver/gilded. Right: late 15thC, silver/gilded, enamel.

Monstance, Cologne, c.1400. Silver, gilded, enamel, mother of pearl.
Donated to the Cathedral by Maria Theresia Schaefhaueun in 1846.

Electoral Sword: c.1480-90. Sheath: c.1515-1547. Cologne, Silver, partly gilded, enamel, steel, velvet.
Gothic Bishop’s Crosier: Cologne, c.1322. Silver, partly gilded, enamel.
The bishop’s crosier and the electoral sword are the symbols of spiritual and secular authority of the archbishops of Cologne. The Crosier is from the consecration of the Gothic Cathedral Choir in 1322. The sword from the reign of Archbishop Hermann von Hessen (1480-1508).

Details of above:

Chalice with paten and spoon. Heinrich J Wilma. Düsseldorf, c. 1893.
Silver, gilded, enamel, precious stones and pearls.

Chalice with paten and spoon, Franz Wusten, Cologne, c.1888. Silver, gilded and enamel.

Altar braid from the High Altar of Cologne Cathedral. Cologne, completed prior to 1518.
Silk, and gold threads. The altar braid was believed to have been bestowed by Dean of the Cathedral, Friedrich von Simmen-Sponheim. The coats of arms of his parents are appliquéd onto both ends of the braid.

Fragment of the canopy of the Madonna of Milan, Cologne, c.1280/90.
Limestone with traces of colouration.

Four apostles of the jamb of the portal of Cologne Cathedral, c.1375. Limestone
Behind: Saints Andrew, Peter, Paul and John.
Front: Angel with a bell, St Catherine, a Prophet.

Detail: the Prophet.

Prophet from the reading desk in the choir of the cathedral. Cologne, c.1300. Tuff with colouration.

Grave goods from a Frankish woman’s tomb. Located under the inner choir during renovations in 1959 were these objects belonging to a young woman of approximately 28 years old. Personal objects were burning with noble perons at that time and included these lavish jewellery items.

Rosette brooches. Gold, garnets. Frankish.

Strap tags from cross garterings. Gold and garnets.

Bow brooches, gold, garnets.

Spherical pendant. Gold, rock crystal or moonstone. Frankish.

Six Capitals – Master of the Laacher Samson, Cologne, c.1200. Limestone.

Dalmatic and stole from the Capella Clementina. Paris, c.1742. Silver fabrics, gold embroidery.

Pluvial and five mitres of the Capella Clementina, Paris, c.1742.
A forty-four piece trousseau of silver fabrics and gold embroidery.
These splendid vestments were ordered in Paris by Clemens August von Wittelsbach, Archbishop of Cologne on the occasion of the coronation of his brother, the Emperor Karl VII – 12th February 1742.

Chasuble and mantle of the Capela Clementina, Paris, c.1742. Silver fabrics and gold embroidery.

Pectoral Cross and ring. Johann Bernhardt Clausius, Frankfurt AM, c.1769. Silver, precious stone.

Burse with the Virgin on the Crescent. Germany, late 19thC. Silk, gold and silver threads.

Cope of the Angels Vestements. Germany, c.1713. Silk, gold and silver threads.

Book Cover, Johann Franz Weissweiler, Cologne, early 18thC. Silver.

Book of Hours, Early 17thC. Leather, silver, gilded, iron.

St Peter’s Banner, Wilhelm Mengelberg (design), Minna Peters (worked), Neuss, c.1899.
Cotton, silk, gold and silver metal threads, glass stones and pearls.

Magi’s Banner. Wilhelm Mengelberg (design), Minna Peters (worked), Neuss, c.1899.
Cotton, silk, gold and silver metal threads, glass stones, pearls.

Chasuble with coat of arms of the Hirzelin Family, Cologne, c.1480 (appliqué work).
Ground cloth replaced in 1963. Silk, linen, gold and silver metal threads.

Pluvial brooch with a figure of St Hubert. Gabriel Hermeling, Cologne, c.1892. Silver, gilded, enamel.

Crosier: Belonging to Johannes Cardinal Geissel (Archbishop of Cologne 1842-1864).
– Made by Gabriel Hermeling, Cologne, c.1862. Silver, gilded, enamel.
Mitre: Belonging to Johannes Cardinal Geissel (Archbishop of Cologne 1842-1964).
– Unknown artist, Lyon, c.1850. Silk, gold, glass stones .

Magi’s Chasuble. Joseph Grossé, Bruges, c.1901. Silk, gold and silver thread.

1) Mitre of Joseph Hammels, Auxiliary Bishop of Cologne, 1924-1944. Germany, c.194. Silk, gold threads, glass stones. 2) Bishop’s ring of Antiochus Cardinal Fischer (Archbishop of Cologne 1903-1912), made by August Witte, Aachen, c.1904. Gold and precious stones. 3) Crosier of Peter Josef Lausberg (Auxiliary Bishop in Cologne 1914-1922), made by Leo Moldrickx, Cologne, c.1914. Silver, enamel, precious stones, ivory, pearls.

Large Plate, Friedrich Toussaint, Aachen, c.1900. Silver, gilded, enamel.

Dalmatic, Peter Hecker (design) Cologne, c.1922. Erica Freund (embroidery), Cologne, c.1927.
Silk, gold, threads, steel, pearls and glass pearls.

Pluvial accessories. Peter Heckler (designer of the cope) Cologne, c.1922. Erika Freund (embroidery), Cologne, c.1927. silk, gold threads, steel pearls, glass pearls.

After the cathedral and the amazing Domskammer – we made sure to take a break and visit the famous Peter’s Brauhaus for pork knuckles and schnitzels! Of course. It was a really cool place, great facade on the building and they have a massive overflow dining area across the road, up the street a little and in the square – which was packed at the moment due to all the football fans that are here for the 2024 EuroCup but aren’t using the Fan Zones.

We managed to get a table inside.

I wanted to see the stained glass ceiling, and I did, but it was packed with people and it was impossible to get a photo of it without snapping all these folks mid-forkful, so, below is a pic I unscrupulously stole off the internet.

Naturally I went for a schnitzel, which was such a polite portion of food compared to Angus’ enormous pork knuckle dinner! So much potato though – didn’t eat any of it. I’m going to look like a schnitzel by the time we leave Germny… the cuisine here is not ideal for someone who doesn’t like sausages and refuses to eat bread or potatoes.

Totally forgot to take an ‘after’ picture – he demolished that thing!

Aachen

Posted on 26 June 2024 by boryssnorc

Aachen was I think originally a spa town? It is mostly known now for the stunning Aachen Cathedral and its Domschatzkammer (treasury). I’ve wanted to see both for years now, so was glad of the opportunity to break up our drive to Cologne with a stop through Aachen.

On first inspection, the cathedral looks pretty ‘normal’ on the outside, but the interior is unlike any other medieval cathedral in central Europe.

Charlemagne began the construction of Aachen Cathedral in approximately 796 AD. The design and construction is credited to Carolingian architect Odo of Metz. The date it was finished isn’t exactly known, but it was consecrated by Pope Leo III in 805 AD. Charlemagne was buried in the chapel in 814. The chapel has a storied history of pilgrims, and damage… including significant damage during a Viking raid in 881 and subsequent restoration in 983AD.

The Aachen Pilgrimage is one of the great Christian pilgrimages – comparable to those of Jerusalem, Rome and the Santiago de Compostela. Four significant relics are believed to reside in the Aachen Cathedral, which ave drawn pilgrims since 1239AD… including, the swaddling cloths of the baby Jesus, the loincloth of Jesus, a dress worn by the Virgin Mary and the decapitation cloth of John the Baptist! That’ll get them medieval tourists a running!

The mosaic ceilings in here are incredible!

During World War II, Aachen and the cathedral were heavily damaged by allied bombing attacks and artillery fire. Thankfully most of the cathedral’s artistic objects had been removed for more secure storage during the war, and the underlying basic structure of the building survived the bombings. Large parts of the 14thC choir hall and altar were destroyed beyond repair. A reconstruction effort was undertaken and over the next 30 years, an estimated modern day €40 million was spent to restore the cathedral.

The octagonal central nave of the cathedral was erected as the chapel of the nearby Palace of Aachen. It was built c. 796-805 and was modelled on other contemporary Byzantine style buildings – like the Little Hagia Sophia in (then) Constantinople. The design influence is very recognisable. The span and height of the Charlemagne’s chapel remained the largest of its kind in Northern Europe for over 200 years.

The intricate mosaics are simply breathtaking!

In the centre of the octagonal chapel hangs the Barbarossa Chandelier, which was made c. 1165-1170, on the order of Emperor Frederick I and his wife, Beatrice. The chandleries was a sacerdotal offering from these patrons in honour of Mary, Mother of God, and simultaneously represented a tribute to Charlemagne.

Looking up from the floor through the Barbarossa Chandelier…

This cathedral isn’t as large as many other grand cathedrals, but everywhere you look there is intricate mosaics and gorgeous designs adorning the walls, ceilings and even the floors. It’s visually quite arresting.

The Cathedral’s main chapel with its Golden Altar piece – known as the Pala D’Oro, which was built in 1020.

The golden Pala d’Ora today forms the antependium of the high altar and has 17 gold panels with reliefs completed using repoussé techniques. The centre has Christ as the centre of the world, and he is flanked by Mary and the Archangel Michael.

The Marienschrein (the Shrine of Mary) is the primary reliquary in the centre of the main chapel. It was bestowed upon the Cathedral around 1220 and consecrated in 1239. This is where we are told the objects believed to be ‘contact relics’, are housed – the swaddling clothes of the baby Jesus, the loincloth of Jesus, a dress of Mary’s and the decapitation cloth of John the Baptist. The Marieschrein is one of the most important goldsmith’s works of the 13thC and records indicate it became an object of great interest and pilgrimage almost immediately. The casket has been variously handled by many pilgrims, and used in many processions sustaining quite a bit of damage over the centuries… it was refurbished in 2000 and has been en vitrine ever since (bar a yearly inspection and cleaning).

The fabulously golden pulpit is called the ‘Ambon of Henry II’. It is in a shape built by Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor and is heavily decorated with antique bowls, ivory carvings, chess figures, reliefs of various evangelists. The ambon was moved from the octagon to its present place in 1414. It is considered a significant artwork of the Ottonian period. I love it when there are lots of information plaques about – you can learn so much, but it does make me wonder how much I’m missing at sites with less info.

So shiny! And stuffed full of large gems.

The Shrine of Charlemagne is located in the rear of the main cathedral. Ever since 1215 this shrine has held the mortal remains of Charlemagne (who karked it in, like, 814 and was canonised in 1165). The emperor’s bones are surrounded by depictions of 16 of his successors.

Everywhere you look there are beautiful motifs and decorations… pelican.

St Nicholas’ Chapel built c.1474 – it is two stories high and contains a large rosary window.

Stepping outside the cathedral, it takes a while for your eyes to adjust to the light – and also there’s a slight disbelief that this outwardly innocuous building could contain such amazing decorative arts. It’s somewhat surreal.

Around the corner (literally) is the Aachen Domschatzkammer – the Aachen Treasury, where all their lavish and famous artefacts are housed. The Aachen Cathedral Treasury houses one Europe’s most renowned church treasuries – a unique collection of precious works collected across the long history of Aachen Cathedral. There are objects from the late classical period, the Carolingian, Ottonian, Saturnian and high gothic periods.

Left: Charlemagne with a miniature of Our Lady of Aachen Cathedral, Rheinland, Aachen c.1460., oil on wood. With the rise of heraldry in the 12thC, Charlemagne is depicted wearing the heraldry of France and Germany, even though such devices would not have been in use during his lifetime.
Right: Charlemagne, by Wilhelm Schmitz, Aachen 1886, painted wood sculpture. Wearing Frankish clothing, a crown, orb and sword – this figure originally adorned the Altar of St Peter.

Charlemagne from the Ambon of Henry II, Master goldsmith Franz Anton Cremer, Aachen 1816/17. The relief is designed on a copperplate engraving from 1632 after the original Ottonian Ambon was damaged during French Occupation (1794-1814).

Vessel for Holy Water bearing designs of ecclesiastical and secular dignitaries. Ivory, precious stones and gilded silver, silver and bronze. West German/Lorraine, c.1000 with later handle added in 1863.

Golden Book Cover, depicting the Virgin Mary with Child and scenes from Jesus’ life. Ivory panel Byzantine, 10thC. Rhineland production – gold, precious stones, enamel, antique engraving, gems and ivory.

Winged Altarpice, with the Mass of St Gregory flanked by saints and the Virgin Mary and Child.
Central Shrine of oak, sculptures lime or poplar. Hildensheim, c.1525.

Cope brooch depicting patron saints Anthony and Mark. Gilded silver, pearls, precious stones, enamel.
Hans von Reutlingen, Aachen, prior to 1520.

Ostensories. Guilded copper.
Hans von Reutlingen, Aachen 16thC.

Reliquary, guilded silver and rock crystal. Hans von Reutlingen c. 1515.

Chalice and Paten. Silver-gilt and engraved. Aachen, 15thC.

Monstance, gilded silver, with diamants. Hans von Reutlingen, Aix-la-Chapelle c.1520.

Winged Altarpiece depicting a Passion of Christ.
Master of the Aachen Altar, Cologne, c.1515-1520. oil on oak.

Pouring Vessels – aquamantile in the shape of a lion. Cast bronze, Rhein-Meuse region, c. 1170-1180

Pouring vessel – aquamanile in the shape of a wreathed bust. Case bronze, gilded.
Aachen, c.1170-1180.

Altarpiece depicting the Crucifixion of Christ and a kneeling benefactor, Count of Sayn.
Master of the Legend of Georg, Cologne, c.1460.

Enamel panel with Christ in his Majesty. Guilded copper and enamel.
Meuse Region, c.1180, converted into a Cope Brooch with he addition of filigree work in 1870.

Crux Gremmata- Cross of Lothair.
Wooden core, gold, gilded silver, precious stones, pearls, enamel.
Rheinland – possibly Cologne? – last quarter of the 10thC. Pedestal added later c.1370-1399

Relief Panel with Jesus’ birth, baptism in the River Jordan. Ivory, Meuse region c.1100.

Chapel Reliquary with the Virgin Mary and child, Charlemagne and St Catherine.
Silver, mostly gilded, pearls, previous stones and enamel. Aachen mid 14thC.

Reliquary Bust of Charlemagne with Crown. Contains a piece of the skullcap of Charlemagne.
Partially gilded silver, precious stones, antique engraved gems, enamel crown.
Crown: Possibly Prague (?) prior to 1349.
Bust: Aachen, after 1349.

Chapel Reliquary with Christ together with the Saints John the Baptist and Stephanus.
Gilded silver, precious stones, enamel. Aachen c.1370-1390.

Arm Reliquary of Charlemagne – contains the ulna and radius from the right arm of Charlemagne.
gilded silver, enamel. Lyon, France, 1481.

Hunting Horn of Charlemagne – signalling horn.
Horn: Ivory, gilded silver. Egyptian 11thC.
Carrying Strap: velvet with stitched-on device. 14th & 17th additions.

Dagger – Hunting Knife of Charlemagne
Knife: pattern-welded irony, wooden handle with brass fittings. Anglo-Saxon/Scandinavian 8thC
Sheath: leather, gold, previous stones, glass, 11thC.

Reliquary Pendant – Pectoral Cross of Charlemagne.
Gilded silver, precious stones and pearls. Liege, Belgium, 12thC.

Lucas Madonna, pilgrims token – casting stone and cast. 17thC.

Proserpina Sarcophagus – depicting the abduction of Proserpina.
Marble, first quarter of the 3rdC AD.

Capps Leonie – Cope and Coronation Robe.
Silver velvet, silk, gold and silver thread. Gilded silver rosettes, 100 silver bells without clappers, pearls and precious stones. Location unknown, constructed prior to 1349, altered 1520.

Chasuble of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux – Priest’s Garment.
Blue silk, pearls, embroidery, gold/silver embroidery. Aachen c. 1170/80. Ground fabric renewed 17thC.

Cupboard Panels c.1881-1918. Oil on timber.
Left: Saint Victorious was a Roman military offical – depicted with a crown sceptre and imperial orb.
Centre: Saint Wenceslas (903-935) promoter of the church and consolidated Christianity in Bohemia.
Right: Saint Leonardus, lived c.500AD. Depicted as an abbot with a tonsure, chasuble and crosier.

Silk embroidery – Virgin of Mercy, depicting benefactors of Mary of Burgundy and Emperor Maximilian I of Austria. Silk, gold and silver embroidery on linen. Brussels before 1473.

Crown of Margaret of York. Glides silver, pearls, enamel, precious stones. England. C.1461.

Icon, Virgin Mary with Child. Tempura on wood. Andreas Ritzos, Crete, early 16thC.

Statuette Reliquary – Virgin Mary with Child, silver, partially gilded, amethyst. Aachen c.1280.

Cope Brooch, with the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary. Gilded silver. Aachen early 15thC.

Adoration of hate Child Jesus in the holiday night.
Lucas Cranach the Elder, c. 1520, oil/tempura on wood.

Cope Brooch with the Annunciaton to the Virgin Mary and the Saints Christoper and Cornelius and kneeling benefactor. Gilded silver, pearls and enamel. Aachen or Cologne – c.1360-1370.

Life of the Virgin Mary of Aachen – Eight panel paintings with depictions of the life of the Virgin Mary.
Master of the Life of the Virgin Mary of Aachen, Cologne, c. 1485. Oil on oak.

Ornamental Necklace.
Necklace: gilded silver, enamel, pearls. Pendant: gold, enamel. Paris or Burgundy, c.1400-1450.

Altar of Fralkenstein – winged altarpiece with Virgin Mary and Child, the saints Mathew, Erasmus, Mary of Egypt and on wings, benefactors Kuno and Werner of Kalkenstein being commended to Saints Peter and Paul. Tempera on canvas covered wood. Aachen, early 15thC.

Enthroned Virgin Mary with Child, wooden sculpture – oak with 19thC painting.
Rhine-Meuse region, early 14thC.

Reliquaries : rock crystal, precious sonnets, antique sardonyx, cut onyx, translucid enamel
All from Prague, c.1360
Left: Reliquary for a Girdle of Christ
Centre: Reliquary for a Girdle of the Virgin Mary
Right: Reliquary for the Scourge of Christ.

Disc Reliquary with relics and scenes of the Passion of Christ.
Gilded silver, pearls, rock crystal, precious stones, translucid enamel. Vienna c. 1340-1350.

Simeon Reliquary – Reliquary with the Presentaiton of Jesus at the Temple.
Gilded silver, precious stones, enamel, stone cuttings. Aachen, c.1330-1340.

Shring of Saint Spec – Relic Chest with relics of Saint Spes/Speus. Wooden chest, ivory, gilded copper, gilded silver. Southern Italy c.11th-12thC. Metal straps: Aachen, c.1165-1170.

Shrine of Saint Felix – relic chest with relics of St Felix.
Wood, silver, enamel. Italy, 11thC.

Reliquary of Saint Anastasius- Reliquary for the skull of Saint Anastasius.
Partially gilded silver, niello. Antioch, c.969-970.

Heraldic Chest of Richard of Cornwall – Wooden chest with 40 enamel medallions.
Cedar with red glaze, gilded copper and enamel medallions. Limoges, France, c.1258.

Chalices, gilded silver, filigree, corals. Hungary, 16thC.

Koormantelgespen – Cope brooches. Silver, gilded silver, and silver enamel. Hungary, before 1367.

Reliquary Chalices, gilded silver, filigree, corals. Hungary, 16thC.

Painting in gold work frame. Virgin Mary with Child in an Eastern Orthodox style.
Painting: Tempura on wood. Frame: Gilded silver, enamel and previous stones. Hungary, c.1367.

Wow, Aachen sure delivers on the fine medieval decorative art pieces. I loved every bit of it… yes, I am aware no one else is going to want to read through all this, but one day I’ll go back through it all.

Heidelberg with bonus Castle

Posted on 22 June 2024 by boryssnorc

Heidelberg! Such a cool little town in southwestern Germany on the Neckar River. It is mostly famous as a university town. Heidelberg University was founded in the 14th century and the place, unsurprisingly, has a real student hangout kinda vibe. Lots of cafés, a bit of street art, and I understand they have amazing Christmas markets here. There is also a Literature Festival happening here at the moment, which is adding to the student ambiance – lots of people sitting in cafes reading a book of all things! The red-sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a noted example of Renaissance architecture, stands on Königstuhl hill and we plan on checking that out if time allows.

The European Cup is on at the moment and everywhere is football mad. There are bus loads of football tourists everywhere. It’s largely the reason why we are in Germany for this trip – where there is sporting events, there is event transport requirements, which is huge part of what we are doing with our US clients for the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics – study tour ahoy. The Fan Zones are really interesting study in the logistical management of inebriated patrons!

Anyway, Saturday, so sightseeing at the Heidelberger Schloss.

The ruins of Heidelberg Castle dominate the skyline over the town. It has only been partially rebuilt since it’s near total demolition in the 17thC and 18thC. It is about 80m up the northern face of the Königstuhl mountainside and you can’t miss it from the Altstadt.

The earliest part of the castle construction was started back in 1214 and was later expanded into two large castles to hold an ever expanding court in 1294. In 1537 however, a lightning bolt destroyed the upper castle (photos of the split tower of the upper castle are below), and the present structures were then expanded from that time until 1650. The castle copped more damage from the Palapatine Wars and other fire incidents, and would you believe it? Another lightening bolt struck the caste in 1764, this time hitting a gun powder store, which utterly obliterated much of the rebuilt sections.

All of which is to say, that the castle is in various parts, ruins, and a hodge-podge of architectural styles from the different periods through which it was originally built, and then rebuilt after destructive events.

I love these big old fortification doors – with the itty bitty door to let people in and out without opening the whole thing.

Above: an obviously older part of the original castle.
Below: the later period Ottheinrichsbau courtyard…

Also inside Heidelberger Schloss is the Deutsche Apotheken Museum – a historical examination of the apothecary’s trade, place of work and products. It follows chronologically through from, traditional medicinal treatments to including a small glimpse at modern pharmacology. At the entrance is a showcase of this beautiful baroque pharmacy interior from the former Benedictine Abbey of Schwarzach (from Rheinmünster in nearby Baden). Beautifully preserved.

As someone with obsessive traits, I absolutely greatly appreciate and adore the orderliness of the apothecary’s store. Everything has its place and it is neatly labelled in delightfully matching jars!

Oooh… *shudder*.

The second elegant pharmacy set up was from the Kronen-Apotheke in Ulm and was built around 1820. The pharmacy owner at the time, Christoph Jacob Faulhaber (1772-1842) had a fondness for fine timber and very precise labels too – bless his cotton socks.

Around the corner from this is a Renaissance room with beautiful support columns that has the Germany Pharmacy Museum (a sort of museum within the museum) that houses an impressive drug collection full of drugs and botanicals. The walls are covered in large display cases that were made in the 1950s, and this part of the museum shares a history of the animal and plant extracts, roots, leaves, herbs and tinctures that were used to treat various ailments throughout history. Every cabinet is stuffed full of secret herbs, mysterious tonics or even poisons!

It was very interesting to look through all these old ‘medicines’ and see just how many of them were substances that we 100% now know to be utterly toxic to humans.

Part of the Drug Museum, had some rather more later period objects – most thanks to the German Bayer pharmaceutical company. Including some early penicillin etc.

The pharmacy below came from the Ursuline Monastery in Klagenfurt (modern day in south-west Austria). It was from 1730 and is an excellent example the extremely popular gold-framed baroque aesthetic of the time. The shelves are full of typical pharmacy vessels, all very colourfully decorated and coming from all different regions – faience and majolica pieces are everywhere. There are also pewter hot water bottles, and a wide variety of pharmacy equipment: scales, horn spoons, spatulas, mortars and weight sets etc. So orderly!

The canisters are beautiful!

The Herbist’s workshop/Herbarium.

Below is a pharmacist’s workshop, which is well fitted out with equipment and vessels. This installation is an example of an 18thC pharmacy, but this style was used well into the 20thC. The table in the centre of the workshop has a slot in the top, which money can be put into enabling drawers to be opened – which somewhat implies that it was potentially ‘self-serve’ in part? Or perhaps that workers were not trusted to openly access all medicines at any time, maybe?

I particularly noted the narwhal tusk (which must have been over 6’ tall/long) and was presumably kept as a novelty of natural history – and hopefully wasn’t used as a medicine?

Who doesn’t like a good taxidermied (or maybe more correctly, it’s tanned?) puffer fish. Which started a wee debate about how cool puffer fish are (FUGU!) and Angus had to educate me on the intricacies and ‘how amazeballs’ a puffer fish skeleton is. You learn something new everyday!

Below is a homeopathic pocket pharmacy from 1836… homeopathy fucking with allogenic medicine for that long – who knew? I always thought it was a recent hippy dippy, ‘I don’t believe in vaccinations’, kinda thing.

Above: a German microscope c.1869 and various lenses in a kit.
Below: early microscope slides with specimens

Benzin petroleum as a medicine… from what I could make out, it was used to clean wounds and cuts, and was also good at removing ‘fatty tissue’ >.> which is a bit vague. Additionally, it was good for cleaning out wounds that had had maggots in them… Yeuck!!

Below is the Augsburg travelling first aid kit that first belonged to a 17thC general. It is made from Ebony and fitted with finely crafted silver furniture, and filled with glass and silver vessels all containing various treatments.

The courtyard of the Schloss.

After exhausting ourselves inside the caste, we took a walk around the gardens and ramparts, getting to see first hand where the destructive lightning strikes had destroyed one of the caste’s towers.

The view back over the modern town of Heidelberg.

Back in the town centre, trying to decipher the civic art. Yep, I had nothing.

Dinner! How surprising to find schnitzel on the menu… I have a feeling this will be the first of many jagerschnitzel dinners this trip.

At the centre of the Altstadt is the enormous Gothic, Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit). It stands some 41m tall and towers over the cafe-lined Marktplatz. The belfry is so tall, and the buildings of the square are built so close that it is impossible to get back far enough to take a photograph of the main facade… though photographic composition was probably not a huge consideration when the build was started in 1398 and finished in 1515.

Inside is a beautiful, but somewhat austere interior. It was originally built as a burial place for the Electors (princes) of the Palatinate, and as a primary place of worship for the residents of the Palatinate city. The various Princes’ graves were devastated during various Wars of Palatinate Succession, so now, only the grave of the builder of the church’s choir remains in the church – Rupert I, who was a German King in charge at the time the choir was built or something? Info can be hard to come by when there are language barriers. The most interesting thing about this place was that from 1706 to 1936, it was divided into two by a dividing wall… the nave was used for Protestant services, and the choir end was used for Catholic services. Fancy that!? Protestants and Catholics sharing like proper neighbours for 200 years! Since 1936, the whole church has belonged to the Evangelical Church of Baden.

The Catholic end…

I saw this striking armoury of heraldry, presumably belonging to notable local families. A little investigation relevance that they belonged to, wait for it… “The Society With The Donkey!” Yeah, I didn’t make that up. It was also called the ‘The Donkey’, ‘Zum Esel’, ‘Ober-Esel’, ‘Turniergesllschaft zum Esel’ and ‘Nieder-Esel’ – because every Donkey Society needs a bunch of secret handshake nomenclature. I’m just totally WTF’ing at this, in case you haven’t noticed. The Donkey Society dates back to 1387 and was like a knights’ association – it actually reads a bit like a union or guild (more that than a chivalric order), and it included members of the high nobility who were important during the reign of King Rupert (1400-1410). This frieze was only discovered in 1936 when the church reverted back to Evangelical ownership. How BIZARRE!

Top left is St George and the Virgin, which are a little hard to make out.

There are lots of cute little squares dotted throughout the Altstadt which no doubt were used as market spaces initially, and house public water fountains etc.

There are loads of huge and gorgeous waterfront properties on the Neckar River, just alongside the famous Heidelberg Bridge. I wouldn’t even want to hazard a guess as to real estate values just here.

Near the Old Heidelberg Bridge is the legendary Heidelberg Monkey – according to the myth, the monkey is meant to remain people who cross it from other side to look over their shoulder at where they have come from. Whether a person is coming from within the city or living outside the city, it was supposed to remind everyone that all were equal and no one is better than their inner city/outer city dwelling counterparts. Sounds much like a ‘Northside/Southside of Brisbane’ thing to me; so I’m sure the monkey had it’s work cut out for it because, as we all know, Southsiders are far better! Represent!

This current statue – depicts a monkey holding up a mirror to passersby, and was only placed here in 1979, but apparently there has been a monkey statue at this spot documented back to the 15thC… the original one was said to have been clutching it’s butt at people, but it sadly disappeared around the Palatinate War of Succession (1689-1693). You can stand under the head of this monkey and have your photo taken with your eyes showing out from above his huge cheeks… which seems to be something every man and their dog is trying to do; it’s quite the feat to snap a pic without some random tourist standing under the monkey’s face.

Reckless and Unlawful people – watch out!

Loved Heidelberg… didn’t realise until it was too late, that I missed the Tun by a bee’s dick! Next time.