The Miter of the Kreuzlingen Abbey as objet de memoir

• In Event: The Extended Narrative of the Object I

Abstract

The mitre from the former Abbey of Kreuzlingen, lavishly made of silver-gilt, enamels, and embroideries with pearls and metal threads, is one of the most precious objects in the Historisches Museum Thurgau, Frauenfeld, Switzerland. Until recently, the mitre was said to have been the gift of Pope John XXIII to the abbot of Kreuzlingen, to whom he awarded the right to use pontifical insignia at the Council of Constance in 1414.
Technical analysis has revealed that the mitre was altered several times and that the papal provenience is founded on legend rather than on historical facts. The object was created, modified and restored at times that were crucial for the history of the abbey and – after its destruction – of its new custodian, the Canton Thurgau. I will argue that the mitre is therefore not only a splendid liturgical vestment, but came to serve above all as an objet de mémoire.

Author

• Caroline Vogt, Abegg-Stiftung