The Abbatial Effigies at Quedlinburg: A Convent's Identity Reconfigured
Karen Blough
In the crypt of former convent church St. Servatius at Quedlinburg is a group nearly identical effigial tomb-slabs commemorating three eleventh-century abbesses Quedlinburg, each an Ottonian or Salian princess: Adelheid I (r. 999-1044), Beatrix 1044-61), and II 1061-95). The patron responsible for this triple tomb configuration has never been conclusively determined, dates ranging from late eleventh through middle twelfth century have suggested effigies. Recent scholars cautiously adduced patronage Abbess Agnes 1110-25), last princess to serve as abbess Servatius. By contrast, situate within context anti-Salian partisanship monastic reform. effigies' iconography, unlike other epigraphic, numismatic, sigillographic evidence Servatius, does not identify deceased with unequivocal markers secular religious status. Only seal implemented by Gerburg Cappenberg 1126-37) resembles effigies, similar figure appears on tomb-slab Mary's Überwasser near Münster, where previously served abbess. All suggests that Gerburg's sympathies lay aristocratic resistance rule forces reform, concepts inherent in early history effigy. monument principally represents interpretation Quedlinburg's conventual identity conformity post-Salian, reform-oriented spirit she herself embodied.
Gesta