Adolf II of Nassau – Kloster Eberbach

Elector and Archbishop of Mainz (* around 1423 - † 1475)

The left-hand figure panel is dedicated to Archbishop Adolf II of Nassau in Mainz. The depiction of the deceased is highly interesting from an art historical perspective because it deviates from the usual depictions. Adolf II of Nassau was born in 1422/ 23. He embarked on a clerical career at an early age. In 1450, he was canon in Mainz and in 1451, he was provost of the Mainz court in Erfurt as well as chief bailiff in Eichsfeld. When a successor was to be elected after the death of Archbishop of Mainz Dietrich Schenk of Erbach in 1459, Adolf only narrowly lost to Diether from Isenburg. However, the latter was not confirmed by the Pope and was deposed in 1461 - after only two years in office. Adolf II of Nassau became the new archbishop. Neither Diether from Isenburg nor the cathedral chapter and city of Mainz accepted this decision, which led to a fierce military conflict, the so-called Mainz Abbey Feud. In the course of this, Adolf's troops conquered Mainz in 1462 and plundered the city. The archiepiscopal see was awarded to Adolf and Diether from Isenburg received compensation.

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

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