Engelbert of Admont
Engelbert of Admont (* around 1250 in Volkersdorf, community Purgstall Egger village in Styria; † 10 or May 12, 1331 in Admont, Styria ) was from 1297 to 1327 Abbot of Admont.
Life
Engelbert of Admont is considered one of the most universal spirits of medieval Austria and in any case as the most versatile scholar in the history of Admont. The bases for this unusual wide-ranging scope of his scholarship and his wealth of knowledge has earned the " Austrian Albertus Magnus " in a dignified education from 1271 to 1285, first in Prague among others Mistr Bohumil and then particularly in Padua. He was here especially with the Aristotelian thinking familiar and could then use the writings of the Greek philosopher for his own work. Also this reception and history of science aspect has found attention again and again in research.
He led the pin Admont as abbot from 1297 to 1327 His memory is kept in the home has always been held in high esteem. Sometimes you have him numbered among the multitude of the saints, or at least of the Blessed even tacitly, and for centuries each wearing a monastery member his name. In his contemporaries, he was not without controversy, however, and in his convention it should even have given voices him - perhaps because of its pronounced slope to the scholarship - designated as unfit for the office of superintendent pin.
The scientific work of Engelbert of Admont, consisting of more than 40 major and minor treatises, includes both philosophical and theological treatises, bringing the abbot as the most prolific Benedictine author of his time proving in Central Europe. Within the first group he distinguishes itself between natural and moral philosophical works, which have found great interest among the latter especially its extensive state- theoretical writings in research. The Musicology owes him the only incurred in Austria music theory treatise of the Middle Ages, and as a theologian Engelbert is increasingly recognized in its importance as quite independent scholastic thinkers.
In a letter to Master Ulrich in Vienna Engelbert gives advice for students. First, he recommends proceeding sequentially. One should not proceed by leaps and bounds, but listen to the books in the order of tradition and scientific theories. Second, they should deal only with studies always. One should not push another study, nor to deal with several areas of knowledge simultaneously. Third, one should insist on the study begun by the end of the unfinished work. In Engelberts letter a list of his works is included. He wants to make sure in this way that ascribes no other one of these works. Should Ulrich not yet have one of these works, Engelbert is willing to send it to him. Engelbert's letter is unique for its time and provides interesting insights into his career and in the intellectual life.
However, Abbot Engelbert takes not only as a philosopher and theologian, a special place in the intellectual history of the pen, but rather can be brought also with two of the greatest works of art in the context that were ever present in Admont: During his studies in Padua, he is likely there that magnificent have given Missal in order, which is to be counted among the most outstanding book of artistic achievements of its time and is now in the Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon. As abbot of Admont he then procured the wonderful Mary statue, which has become the " Admonter Madonna" par excellence; it was sold as the Missal in 1936 and is now in the Alte Galerie in Graz.
Work
Engelbert wrote numerous treatises dogmatic theology, natural philosophy, music methodical and state political content.
As an example:
- De regimine principum ( 1300 )
- Speculum virtutum ( 1310 )
- De ortu et fini Romani Imperii ( to 1312)