Adelheid (abbess of Müstair)

Adelheid was the abbess of the Benedictine Convent of Müstair, located in present-day Switzerland, during the 13th century. Her abbacy is significant primarily due to her role in commissioning a series of important frescoes within the convent church of St. John.

While the exact dates of her life and abbacy are not definitively known, the frescoes attributed to her patronage are typically dated to the period between 1230 and 1250. These frescoes represent a crucial phase in the artistic development of the convent and are considered some of the most important examples of Romanesque art in the region.

Adelheid's contribution extends beyond mere financial sponsorship. It is believed she played an active role in the selection of the artistic themes and the overall design of the fresco cycle. The artwork includes depictions of scenes from the Old and New Testaments, highlighting themes of salvation and monastic life.

Her patronage helped to solidify Müstair's position as an important religious and artistic center during the medieval period. Though information about Adelheid's personal life and administrative actions as abbess remains scarce, her lasting legacy is undoubtedly intertwined with the magnificent frescoes that continue to draw visitors and scholars to Müstair today. The frescoes serve as a testament to her commitment to religious art and the flourishing of monastic culture under her leadership.