Door Knocker

Name/Title

Door Knocker

Entry/Object ID

310

Acquisition

Notes

Date: 1893 Means of Accession: University Purchase Source: Purchased at the Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893

Made/Created

Artist

Unidentified

Place

City

Munich

Country

Germany

Continent

Europe

Dimensions

Dimension Notes

H, W: 29x12 in; H, W: 73.66x30.48 cm

Height

29 in

Width

12 in

Height

73.66 cm

Width

30.48 cm

Material

Iron

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Exhibition Label

Label

This cast iron door knocker was made in Munich, Germany 1850-1900. Door knockers can be found throughout history and across cultures.

Label Type

Exhibition Label

Label

Earlier door knockers were constructed out of hammered iron, but to get the fine scrollwork and details seen in this door knocker, a new technique, casting, was used.

Label Type

Exhibition Label

Label

The Middle Ages were rife with superstitions, from fairies to werewolves, the gruesome faces of the door knockers were believed to ward off any evil spirits.