Eberhard from Oberstein – Kloster Eberbach

Cathedral Cantor of Mainz († 1330)

The tomb slab of Eberhard from Oberstein is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding works of Gothic art on the Middle Rhine. Once located in front of the altar of St. Philip and St. Jakob, thus in the immediate vicinity of the tombs of the Counts of Katzenelnbogen, it is now placed in the easternmost south chapel on the west wall. The upper ledge of the very long red sandstone slab, which measures 3 meters, is designed as a flat pediment. Framed by an ogee arch architecture with flanking pinnacles and a final floral decoration as well as angels in the spandrels, the figure of the deceased, reproduced in high relief, lies on the narrow, smooth slab. While his head rests on a tassel-covered cushion, his feet stand on a console supported by a lion and a dog. This ambivalence between lying and standing is typical of early funerary monuments and can still be observed several times in Eberbach. In keeping with his high clerical office - he was a cathedral cantor in the Mainz cathedral chapter - he is depicted in regalia with a mitre and a liturgical vestment (maniple) over his left arm. His hands are folded in front of his chest in prayer. The small escutcheons placed on the four corners of the stone each show the Oberstein coat of arms.

He was first named as a cathedral cantor in a document from 1291. As cantor, he was responsible for liturgical singing. Like the dean and scholaster, he had the right to wear the mitre during the service on certain feasts and, like them, was bound by oath to permanent residence. Eberhard not only held a high office in the cathedral chapter, but is also documented as chancellor to King Albrecht I from 1298 to 1300. It is surprising that Eberhard sought his final resting place in Eberbach, as he had a preferred burial place as cantor in the cathedral. Perhaps he had more confidence in the monks than in his fellow brothers when it came to his salvation. In his will, written just a few days before his death, he once again made a bequest of 100 pounds Heller to the monks on the day of his death. This was to pay for a pitanz, i.e. an additional portion of food, for the monks, which must have been beneficial to their zeal for prayer.

Source: German Inscriptions Online (43, No. 41), Academy of Sciences Mainz

Image of the tomb: Michael Leukel

Tombstones

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