The Competition for Saints in Medieval Zurich
Joan A. Holladay
The facts regarding the saints of major churches Zurich are easy to establish. A priory, later known as Grossmünster, was erected on east side Limmat over supposed burial sites early Christian martyrs Felix and Regula. In 853 Louis German founded an abbey canonesses, dedicated same saints, west river immediately opposite. mid-twelfth century, sculptured reliefs in new buildings at both described episodes from saints' legend. Grossmünster acquired Charlemagne relics 1233, about time that a saint, Exuperantius, for whom there is no historical basis, mysteriously joined Regula companion martyr. Shortly before 1300 Chronica universalis Turicensis likened Louis' daughters, first abbesses his church, now Fraumünster, mentioning miracles their tombs south transept. fresco painted nearby recorded earlier translation Fraumünster way played up importance this event. This paper examines these events part competition between two foundations which works art advertised status number one-upmanship each successive incident intended represent greater prestige one's own contrast those competing institution. Grossmünster's interest Charlemagne, example, has little do with any connection saint either foundation or city, but more likely derives fact famous predecessor German. Charlemagne's age, legendary Holy Roman emperor, recent sainthood thus trump Fraumünster's longer-standing Carolingians. very name Exuperantius unusual terms "appearance" suggest similar competitive grounds basis invention. "battle saints" can be seen outward expression struggle spiritual political power within city. Images city's original depictions newly claimed defined institutional identity, it identity flux rival institutions sought position themselves relation one another.
Gesta