The Horseman – Haiku 2024 Thursday Doors

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetryTags:
Green Towers of Bamberg Dom, Bavaria Germany. Licensed Image credit: Martin Keiler | Stock

message from a mount

the unknown horseman silent

crowns a pillar— strength

*

**Many thanks to fellow blogger DD (David W. Don) for this door recommendation.

Perched on Cathedral Hill, the highest of Bamberg, Germany’s seven hills, is Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg (Bamberg Cathedral). Originally consecrated by Henry II, the Holy Roman Emperor, Bamberg Cathedral was later rebuilt in the Romanesque and Gothic styles and rededicated on 6 May 1237.

*The featured wooden door is the main portal, or Princes’ Door, which, unlike most cathedrals with a west entrance, is in the middle of the North wall.

The stone sculptures above the doors (in the tympanum) prefigure events of the Last Judgment. The statues on either side of the doors are of church figures and saints.

**The sculptures are replicas; the originals are in the Cathedral’s museum. In the top left (of the doors’ closeup image below), the figure seated on the angel’s right in the arch is Abraham.

Princes’ Portal, Bamberg Cathedral, Bavaria, Germany. Licensed Image credit: Anne Czichos | iStock

Trivia 1 & 2:

The story of the unknown horseman…

The first of its kind since classical times (8th century AD) and situated inside Bamberg Cathedral’s North portal on a supporting pillar stands the famous life-size equestrian statue— the “Bamberg Horseman.”

Experts have examined the large stone sculpture of a horse and rider. The horseman is a young man wearing a crown and a cloak. The Bamberg Horseman appears to be looking off to his right and is tugging his cloak’s strings affixing it perhaps around his shoulder.

The Bamberg Horseman, Bamberg Cathedral, Germany. Licensed Image credit: Ark. Neyman | Dreamstime

Experts cannot agree on what the anonymous horseman is looking at in the Cathedral, or whom he might represent either real or allegorical. Even the sculptor left his mark only and no name leaving this sculpture otherwise anonymous.

Despite scores of expert examinations not much is known about the sculpture except for its date (1225 – 1237), and that it is carved from eight blocks of Reed sandstone. Note the podium is also part of the sculpture —carved as one unit into the horses’ shoes.

Fun Fact: Bamberg is famous worldwide for its unique smoked beer: Schlenkerla Urbock is produced by roasting the barley malt over an open fire of beechwood logs.

**Extra Fun Facts: Bamberg, Germany, was one of the filming locations for the movie “The Three Musketeers” (2011) with Orlando Bloom. The battle between D’Artagnan and the Three Musketeers was filmed in Cathedral Square.

The 2023 International Emmy Winner for a Drama Series, the Netflix Original “The Empress,” was filmed in part in Bavaria, including Bamberg Cathedral. Season 2 of this critically acclaimed English-subtitled series begins next month (November 22).

Princes’ Portal, angled view, Bamberg Cathedral, Bavaria. Licensed Image credit: Ivan Kravtsov | Dreamstime

And for more #ThursdayDoors

Visit Dan Antion at No Facilities

ThursdayDoors
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Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

43 thoughts on “The Horseman – Haiku 2024 Thursday Doors”

  1. The Prince’s Portal truly captures a sense of grandeur and reverence, with the sculpture of Abraham and the angel placed so high, almost as if they are transcending the earthly realm. It’s a beautiful representation of spiritual elevation, drawing the eyes upward, encouraging reflection on the sacred.

    It’s captivating how those master builders created such intricate works of art and left us with enigmas like the Bamberg Cathedral’s mysterious horseman. The fact that they passed down their craftsmanship but left us with unanswered questions adds a layer of intrigue to the legacy. The horseman, with his stoic presence, feels like a silent witness to centuries of history, yet his identity remains elusive. It makes you wonder if it was intentional -perhaps to spark curiosity and awe in future generations.

    Indeed, another classic Thursday offering in the world of cathedrals.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Yes, well said:
      “It’s a beautiful representation of spiritual elevation, drawing the eyes upward, encouraging reflection on the sacred.”– I absolutely agree there is a view to present (it seems to me) the sculptures “on high” in this Cathedral pointing perhaps to a place beyond the soil under the vistor’s feet to an unseen kingdom hoped for…

      And I think there is a great point you make about The Horseman’s silent witness perhaps to spark conversation, the sculpture is unmissable when one enters the cathedral.
      Thank you for your always shining comments full of wisdom and insight. Happy Thuraday!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Awesome the approach that master builders together with their architects chose to tell their stories with mortar and bricks.
        Yes our curiosity will always be piqued for generations to come about the mysterious horseman.
        Such a profound poetic entry for the Thursday cathedral offfering.
        Thank you for your generous response, I appreciate the dialogue.
        Wishing you a happy Thursday too.
        Thank you, Poet.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I am always amazed at the talent of these builders who chose not to add their names to their work…amazing humility!
        Thank you for your gracious gaze at the shares and posts. Thank you for your wishes. Much appreciated,

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Yes, their humilty will never cease to amaze me.

        Astounding, so many cathedrals were built in one continent due to its long history with Christianity and the influence of the Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, and Protestant denominations.

        The Bible became a creative outlet for these master builders

        Liked by 1 person

  2. very well done, Suzette and a great subject. The statue of the horse and rider inside the cathedral is certainly interesting. I wonder if it was carved in place? I can’t imagine it being moved in and installed without some kind of record. The other carvings, the ones in the entrance are equally amazing. When I see these, I imagine myself stopping and staring (blocking a group of people behind me) as I enter. I’m always interested in things like that, even in places I’ve been on a regular basis.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Dan,
      Great point. There seems to be a large school of thought which suggest that the Horseman was carved on site at/on the pillar..
      I agree with you that there is so much to take in at the doors of such grand buildings and churches, I too would be holding up the line of visitors, trying to soak in the beauty.

      Thank you for your kind support and generous comments. May your day be blessed!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. This is such a fascinating read. Germany definitely has no shortage of endearing, lovable medieval towns and Bamberg is no exception. The cathedral itself is a work of art. I just love how you get an opportunity to bask in the solemnness the cathedral and its rich history offer. Not to mention enjoying the breathtaking architecture, sculpture and other works of art. I also love the mystery surrounding the enigmatic and much-disputed figure in the Bamberg Cathedral who is standing with his back to the main doors on two consoles on a pillar in the nave. It looks like a rider has stopped his horse abruptly. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you Aiva for your wonderful comment and generous impressions of the Bamberg Dom’s post.
      I agree, it is a monument of mystery and a cathedral of solemnity where both synergies mingle illustrated by great artworks by unsung artisans.
      Glad you enjoyed the share. Thank you!
      And a blessed day to you.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. A very interesting read, Suzette! Trivia and fun facts can’t go unnoticed. Story of horsemen is also fascinating, and you covered everything in your sweet haiku.

    Liked by 2 people

  8. Thank you Suzette.
    The horseman is an odd inclusion in a church and a fun subject for the haiku. Yet as you’ve noted it also provokes us to think about its deeper meaning.
    Well done indeed.
    Kind regards
    David W. Don

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you DD for the generous recommendation. Much appreciated. Yes, the horseman is so unique it is almost miraculously out of place yet fitting for this cathedral…if that makes sense. Blessings to you.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Not only a phenomenal door, but a life-sized horse and rider inside?! As I often say, I love how the haiku make’s me want to read more. I look forward thto Thursdays, although I’m late this week since it’s Friday 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  12. I like the blend of architectural styles in this cathedral. And the horseman is so random… but consistent with the truly unique features often found in Europe’s cathedrals. I think I will pass on the smoked beer 🤣

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Carolyn. Yes there are a mix of styles predicated on the long time these cathedrals take to build…and in my opinion a testimony to even greater building skills to blend all of them with such beautiful results.

      No beer for me either, thanks..LOL
      P.S I love the idea of random and consistent in the same sentence as descriptors about cathedrals! Delightful

      Liked by 1 person

  14. I like your use of “silent” and “crowns.” It’s a very evocative partnering of words, especially with this mysterious watcher over the cathedral. That top photo is wonderful for putting it all into perspective. Beautiful!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Maureen for noting the partnering of the words, so little is know about the statue it seemed the best descriptor/imagery. I am glad you like the featured photo. I was not sure about it. I thought it to far in the distance, kind of, sort of…
      *Glad to know that it was an impactful photo.
      Have a blessed day Maureen. Thank you for your always thoughtful and kind comments.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Suzette, thank you for sharing another post about a very unique cathedral door. The descriptions accompanying each photo add so much understanding. As usual, your Haiku offers an eloquent introduction.

    Liked by 1 person

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