Publications
Die Wahrnehmung römischer Bauwerke Triers im 16. und 17. Jahrhundert
A dual perception of Roman ruins persisted in Trier until the 19th century, with the Porta Nigra simultaneously viewed as both a Roman structure and a church. This dichotomy only resolved after the church's demolition. Meanwhile, the Barbara Baths, whose ruins had vanished by the 17th century, led to contradictory contemporary descriptions due to reliance on older representations. The study analyzes early pictorial and textual records from the 16th and 17th centuries, highlighting the scarcity of such sources compared to the 19th-century abundance. It reveals how shifting perceptions and physical disappearance of monuments influenced their documentation and interpretation over time.
The East Choir of the Church of St Catherine (Oppenheim), the Church of St Stephen (Mainz), and the Problem of ‘German High Gothic Architecture’
German High Gothic architecture, often seen as a clumsy imitation of Île-de-France styles, actually draws its models from Lorraine. This insight emerges from a stylistic analysis of the East Choir of the Church of St Catherine in Oppenheim and the Church of St Stephen in Mainz, which challenges the long-held assumption that these structures derive primarily from Paris or northern France. The study examines their stylistic filiation with the churches of Our Lady in Trier and St Elisabeth in Marburg, two pivotal monuments marking the beginning of Gothic architecture in Germany. By re-evaluating regional influences, it resolves a persistent problem in architectural history, demonstrating how German Gothic style became a dominant expression across Europe.
Terahertz meets sculptural and architectural art: Evaluation and conservation of stone objects with T-ray technology
Terahertz radiation emerges as a powerful non-invasive tool for evaluating and monitoring the conservation of stone objects, offering unprecedented insights into their internal structure without causing damage. This study demonstrates its efficacy by assessing two art pieces: a medallion from the Castle of Celle and a window sill from the St. Peter Cathedral in Trier. Using terahertz spectroscopy, researchers successfully mapped internal damage states and tracked the restoration process of the window sill, highlighting its potential as a transformative method for cultural heritage conservation.
On the 3D documentation of the Igel Column — Original and copy: Structured 3D survey and analytical 3D information system
A groundbreaking approach to preserving the Igel Column, a 23-meter Roman monument in Trier, Germany, and its early 20th-century replica, has been developed using advanced 3D documentation techniques. The study successfully integrated terrestrial laser scanning, structured light scanning, and SFM photogrammetry from both a lifting platform and a Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV) to create photorealistic high-resolution 3D models of both structures. These models were managed in ArcTron3D's database-supported 3D information system, aSPECT3D, enabling systematic access to project data for restoration purposes. This method provides a comprehensive solution for documenting and analyzing decaying monuments, offering valuable insights for conservation efforts.
Constantine’s twin basilica at Trier
Archaeological excavations at Trier's cathedral have confirmed the existence of Constantine’s twin basilica, a monumental complex built between 326 and 348 AD on the ruins of an imperial palace. This discovery challenges earlier assumptions about the site's structure, revealing two longitudinal halls—each capable of holding 6000 people—connected by a three-aisled hall in the east and a square baptistery in the west. The north basilica, slightly larger with a monumental entrance, featured a polygonal structure interpreted as a memoria, while the south basilica retained its original form. Excavations also uncovered ceiling frescoes from an earlier palace, dating before 326 AD, which depict members of Constantine’s family, further validating the legend linking Helena, Constantine's mother, to the basilica's foundation. Unlike other fourth-century twin basilicas, the Trier complex stands out for its scale and significance, offering unique insights into Constantinian church architecture.
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