From the end of the 15th century, the wealthy winegrowers' houses facades of Riquewihr competed with ornaments. Showing off opulence was a sign that their wine was good and that it sold well. The lintels of the porches, the oriel windows, and, especially, the corner posts were covered with grapes, cherubs, and figures. The wrought-iron signs were also part of the many indications of the merchants' wealth.