1648Election and coat of arms sermon with town view

In the early modern period, mayoral elections took place annually in the Walpurgis Church. Traditionally, this event was initiated by a sermon in the church. On the occasion of the election of Mayor Johannes Fink in 1648, the sermon by Inspector and Pastor Georg Eberhard Happel was published in printed form.

The copperplate engraving on the title page of the “Election Sermon” features a view of Alsfeld alongside the title of the text, the Alsfeld coat of arms, and depictions of virtues. Although this depiction dates from after the Thirty Years’ War, it still presents an intact cityscape without war damage. It thus shows the condition prior to the siege and shelling of 1646. However, the influence of the war years and destruction can be sensed through other details. For instance, this view lacks features such as gardens, trees, or other buildings outside the city wall, which likely fell victim to the turmoil of the war.

The prominent buildings of the city, which still characterize its appearance today, are easily recognizable, as are details of the city fortifications. On the left edge of the image, the Frauenberg with the cemetery chapel is depicted. Below it, a particularly interesting detail can be seen: the so-called “Gaagk” with a pond beneath it. This was a punishment device used to submerge a delinquent in a wooden basket under water for an extended period. (MJ)