The altar of the family of Nassau in Mainz cathedral. The altar was cut shortly after 1601 in Eifel tuff. It is still at the original location in the northern transept. Altars like these, here for the family of Nassau altar as an example, had been donated in the memory of the family. Benefices as an income, which were given a vicar who celebrated Mass for the dead are tied to the altar. In the cathedral 42 altars and 48 benefices existed in 1537.
This altar was built in remembrance of the Imperial Council Philipp of Nassau-Spurkenburg (1582) and his brother, the Canon Henry of Nassau (1601). They were the last of their family before extinction, so the coat of arms of Nassau is on the top floor altar is upside down. The center focuses on the crucifixion of Christ. The baptistery is to be seen at the right.
<a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Alexander_Hoernigk" title="User:Alexander Hoernigk">Alexander Hoernigk</a>
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