A Door in Worms

There is a city in Germany named Worms (Woerms) – no relation to the squiggly wiggly creatures. The name is derived from Latin “Vormatia” – a settlement in a watery area. It’s one of the oldest, if not the oldest, cities in Germany and also in Northern Europe. It doesn’t help to stop getting a laughter from English speakers when you add the term “Diet of Worms” which actually refers to the deliberative body of the Holy Roman Empire, that held assembly in the city of Worms! One such assembly was held in 1521, in which Martin Luther, who was the originator of the Protestant branch of Christianity, was declared a heretic.

It was in this city that I found this beautiful door, which today is the entrance to a museum – The Heylshof Museum. I was fascinated by the door and so went inside too. It has a beautiful collection of art and porcelain, but doesn’t permit taking any pictures inside.

Anyway, thanks to some googling, I found some details about the door. It is from the 19th century. Was originally designed by Gedon but he died, and so was completed by his brother in law Joseph van Kramer. The woodcarver was Bierling.

A young woman arriving with her parents

The same woman with her husband who is departing in his uniform

There is a set of keys on the woman’s waist, which was a popular motif depicting domesticity in the 19th century. Her husband is shown in uniform and they are saying goodbye in front of the hotel “Zum alten Kaiser”, which could be depicting the patriotic sentiment, that one is also ready to leave the domestic life and set off to defend the fatherland when need arises (Kaiser – King).

So much to interpret from one door! I am so glad to have found the details on the net.

For Dan’s Thursday Doors.