Philipp Melanchthon’s Era in Wittenberg: Exploring Verse Inscriptions within a Multimedia Culture of Commemoration

Almost half of the known dedications to the deceased in Wittenberg during Philipp Melanchthon's era featured verse inscriptions, predominantly in Latin, revealing their significant role in 16th-century multimedia commemoration culture. These poems, often blending historical events with topical and ancient literary references, were disseminated through printed materials like funeral sermons or university announcements, as well as on monuments. They served both to honor the deceased and to impart moral lessons to future generations, merging literary and material memorials. The study highlights Melanchthon's influence in promoting sepulchral poetry and underscores the interaction between print and inscription in commemorative practices, providing insights into the social and cultural dynamics of the time.

Borchert-Pickenhan, J. (2025). Philipp Melanchthon’s Era in Wittenberg: Exploring Verse Inscriptions within a Multimedia Culture of Commemoration. Funerary Inscriptions in Early Modern Europe, 97–124. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004711709_006