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Here is a neat summary of some notable bronze doors near the High Middle Ages. Ornate doors could be placed on churches and have Biblical scenes covering them, and bronze was of course more difficult to work with (and more expensive) than something like ordinary wood.Bronze doors on churches of Xth and XIth centuryThe “lost wax” method of bronze sculpture that is mentioned was used as early as the time of the Greeks. It was an ingenious way of bronze casting which involves the following basic steps:1) create a mold out of something like clay2) cover it with a thick layer of wax3) model your wax into the relief that you want the final product to look like4) cover that wax layer with another layer (with something like clay)5) pour liquid bronze into the mold; the hot bronze melts the wax, the wax drains away, and the bronze settles into the cavity of the mold6) after it has cooled, the layer of clay is removed7) the resulting bronze relief is chased, polished to achieve the final result!
I have actually seen the doors in Venice, Hildesheim, and Augsburg in real life. They are every bit as impressive as the descriptions make them out to be. The Bronze doors at the Cathedral in Pisa are very impressive as well. There is a lizard on the doors in Pisa that is supposed to bring good luck if you rub it.
That is pretty neat. BTW, if by chance you happen to have some good photos of the pulpit inside the Pisa baptistery, let me know (I'm doing a paper on it this semester).
I will try to send them to you tonight when I get home. I think I have 5-10 pictures. I will send you what I have and you can pick what you want to use, if anything. Just remember to attribute the pictures to me. ;D
Ironically, a good example of “serious damage” by tourism to artworks (just like “I must touch it” even if the area is obviously restricted by a fence) ;D (nothing personal here) 😉
I know, we had to be slick because there are Carabinieri standing there to stop people like me from touching the door. I am just slicker than the cops I guess. ;DUpdate to Phid: The pictures have been sent.
Thanks Scout! Got 'em.
Ironically, a good example of “serious damage” by tourism to artworks (just like “I must touch it” even if the area is obviously restricted by a fence) ;D (nothing personal here) 😉
Try that with the Mona Lisa. You'll have to get around the bullet-proof glass somehow, but you can do it! ;D
Thanks Scout! Got 'em.
Ironically, a good example of “serious damage” by tourism to artworks (just like “I must touch it” even if the area is obviously restricted by a fence) ;D (nothing personal here) 😉
Try that with the Mona Lisa. You'll have to get around the bullet-proof glass somehow, but you can do it! ;D
Try this at home ;D
