Abstract

“In his demeanour, his words and gestures, he was truthful, firm and always serious. But in his youth, a time devoted to cheerfulness, he spoke privately to his knights, chaplains, chamberlains and donzels as if he were the most inferior amongst them: »Let's hang the episcopal dignity up the wall' – sometimes, he was winning, sometimes losing, the most cheerful companion in jumping, light-footed in running; he threw the stone further that the others and excelled in physical strength.” (Die Taten der Trierer. Gesta Treverorum, hrsg. Emil Zenz, Bd. V: Balduin von Luxemburg 1307-1354, Trier 1961, Kapitel CCXVIII S. 22.)

Medieval historiography transmits several images of rulers like this one of Balduin von Luxemburg (1307-1354), the archbishop of Trier. Depending on the client's intentions, the person portraied appeared in a positive or negative light. Accordingly, research into Medieval Times attempts to reconstruct the true circumstances and to understand the ruler's position within the political framework of power. In this case, however, a new perspective on the passed-on image of a ruler seems appropriate. In these words about Bishop Balduin, we can “observe” how he does it; how he “makes himself a bishop”. Balduin knows very well, which actions are incommensurable with the “post's dignity” and which are not. “Sportive” activities, accordingly, are not part of a bishop's way of life. Hence, he intentionally (but symbolically) discards his post's dignity for a short period, in order to pursue his amusements. Of course, this action has to be understood politically: To a certain extend, Balduin turns himself into a “primus inter pares”, who, in spite of his “great dignity”, still belongs to his circle of (doubtless subordinate) friends. For us, the way in which he does it, is interesting. more...

• European History with the foci Old and Medieval History
• Models of Spiritual Living Forms in Medieval Times
• Museum and Exhibition