Seals as a Reflection of the Self-Confidence, Self-Image and Identity of the Teutonic Order

Comments 1:

General approach: This article attempts to analyze the institutional projection of the use of seals as an image of the Teutonic institution by means of selected examples of some of the Masters an Commanders of the Teutonic Order. In doing, the author tries to define the models of communication, image and identity of the order in the territories of Franconia, Alsace, Burgundy, Lorraine, Austria an South Tyrol. The work is well structured and the bibliographical referendes are accurate. The illustrations (figures) support the text and the argument of the work very well.

Argumentative proposal: In the first chapter, the article presents an approach to the foundations of the self-image of the Orders, paying special attention to the works of H. Nicholson an K. Elm. But apart from the Orders’ own identity, in relation to the warrior ideal and the care of the sick an pilgrims, it would be important to contextualise the spirituality of the time in the centuries analysed. It is worth remembering that although the Teutonic Orders had no specific saints, it developed in centuries in which the veneration of the Virgin Mary or the contemplation of the Passion of Christ was a vita for the religiosity of all the institutional religious movements and even of the laity.

Other proposals: It would therefore be appropriate to mention this context in the first section, with the work of André Vauchez on medieval spirituality. On this point, Sarnowsky’s work, which he cites in line 149 onwards, is a good point. Indeed, it is necessary to differentiate the institutional identities of the order from the particular interests of each of its members who may develop different spiritual devotions.

It would be highly advisable to take into account the temporal coordinates, both in the use of images and in the SUMMARY, as the religious and social context of the 13th century is not the same as that of the 15th century (e. g. paragraph between lines 337-343 an 426-438). Chapter 3 “From theory…” becomes too complex to understand because it jumps around chronologically using the same themes, and I think it would be better to present something more ordered to the reader.

The finally paragraph should be a bit more explained with examples.

Finally, figure 5 is blurred and should be changed.

Response 1: Thank you for pointing out the question of the form of spirituality in the different centuries. I think, however, that it would go too far at this point to discuss that question properly within the essay, which is why I have merely inserted a corresponding reference in the text. You will find the addition on page 2, paragraph 2, lines 48 to 53.

I also agree with this in principle, but the general development must be considered separately from that within the Teutonic Order. With a few exceptions, the use of images has hardly changed over the centuries, so that for this essay more emphasis was placed on showing the best possible quality image in order to convey an initial impression of the symbolic language used.

Page 12, paragraph 21, lines 358 to 360.

Although the chronological "chaos" is not pleasant to read and easy to understand, it is due to the hierarchy of offices within the Teutonic Order. The alternative would be a structuring according to centuries, within which the division would then be made according to the hierarchy of offices of the Teutonic Order. However, this would not improve the "chaos".

Could you please specify how you would like more examples to be given?

Figure 5 has been replaced, unfortunately better quality is not possible.

Comments: In addition, the author could present a broader view of contemporary research on the Teutonic Knights, which may be useful in the comparative context of his specific topic (especially in relation to Hans-Georg Boehm’s work “Siegel des Deutschen Ordens von Akkon bis Mergentheim” + studies by Aleksander Pluskowski, Jarosław Wenta, Danielle Buschinger, Sieglinde Hartmann).

Response: I agree to this point, but not with the proposals that have been presented. Mr. Boehm's work may be sufficient for an initial insight and overview of the topic, but since Mr. Boehm is neither a historian nor a proven sphragist, his work lacks any scientific basis. In addition, there are repeated errors in the literature cited, which are presumably due to Mr. Boehm's lack of academic knowledge. In this respect, this type of literature does not seem reliable enough to me to want to cite it in connection with my essay.

All the other authors mentioned have occasionally dealt with topics relating to the Teutonic Order in the past, but not in a thematic context relevant to this essay, so that their citation also seems unnecessary.