The artwork in question is the facade of Worms Cathedral, a paragon of Romanesque architecture constructed in the period between 1130 and 1181. This architectural masterpiece is a part of a series themed “Facades,” and it exemplifies the Romanesque art movement, known for its massive quality, thick walls, round arches, sturdy pillars, groin vaults, large towers, and decorative arcading.
The artwork displays the front aspect of the Worms Cathedral, prominently featuring its two heavy, symmetric towers capped with conical spires which are characteristic of Romanesque architecture. The robust and earthy appearance of the sandstone construction emanates a sense of impermeability and grandeur. Above the main portal, there is a large rose window flanked by smaller arched windows, punctuating the facade with both functionality and aesthetic pattern. Further decorative elements include a series of arched motifs beneath the rose window, and a visibly articulated series of columns and pilasters that lining the towers and walls, endowing the structure with rhythm and detail. Despite the encroaching modernity glimpsed at the edges of the artwork, the cathedral retains its medieval essence, standing as an enduring testament to the Romanesque style.
