Work

Casting Mediaeval Monumental Bronzes: The 11th Century Door from Hildesheim, Germany

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The Bernward Doors of Hildesheim Cathedral in Germany, made latest in 1015 CE, are the oldest mediaeval monumental metal objects. The doors depict three-dimensional figures and scenes from the Old and New Testaments and are considered one of the most important examples of Ottonian art. Both door leaves were cast in one piece using the lost wax technique. Taking into account recent, non-invasive chemical analyses of the doors all across its surface on both sides, a full, high-resolution photographic documentation of the doors, their radiographs and casting simulations, we can finally reconstruct the manufacturing process of the largest and heaviest single cast mediaeval copper alloy object.

Source: International Journal of Metalcasting

DOI: 10.1007/s40962-025-01820-3

Authors: Andreas Cziegler, Bastian Asmus, Martin Fera, Marianne Mödlinger

Institutions: Austrian Foundry Research Institute, University of Vienna, University of Salzburg

Language: English

Topic: Metallurgy and Cultural Artifacts

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,290

Funder: Austrian Science Fund