Images of Imperial Princes. Representation and legitimation of imperial rule on seals and coins of the 11th to 13th century

The images of clerical and secular princes of the Holy Roman Empire on seals and coins are analyzed as sources expressing princely strategies of representation and legitimation. In a visual discourse, different concepts of power and domination are discussed within the group of the imperial princes and in communication with the ruler. The visual strategies employed refer to the offices, tasks and ranks of the respective princes, and occasionally to specific achievements or events.

The project will also examine whether a concept of representation involving the wives of imperial princes and, in the case of the clergy, the abbesses existed.