Adolf finally died in Eltville on September 6, 1475. The cathedral chapter once again elected Diether from Isenburg as his successor, who was able to rule undisturbed this time until his death in 1482. Adolf was buried in Eberbach Monastery, presumably at his own request.
His figurine tomb slab is very different from the other Eberbach tomb monuments, as it does not show an ideal image of the deceased, but a realistic likeness of a dead person lying in state. This is particularly evident in the sunken cheeks, the closed eyes and the slightly drooping jaw. The arms lying crossed over the body and the folds in the robe also support the impression of a body lying in state. The same applies to the cross staff, which is not held by the archbishop but is clamped under his arm. The chosen depiction is rarely found in medieval tomb art. The aim was to make the viewer aware of the transience of life and to remind him of his own death.
Sources: Institute for Mainz Church History / German Inscriptions Online (43, no. 246), Academy of Sciences Mainz
Image of the tomb: Michael Leukel
More tombs
Tombstones
These are fascinating life stories that can be found carved in stone in Eberbach - and which are now being told with the help of a QR code project.