The Panel Painting

In the Segeberg Marienkirche, there is a panel depicting a murder. In the form of a picture story, it shows how Count Adolf VI of Holstein-Schauenburg was killed in 1315 by the knight Hartwig von Reventlow at Segeberg Castle, the „Siegesburg.“

The right half of the panel depicts the murder of Count Adolf at Siegesburg, while the left half shows the absolution of Hartwig Reventlow by the Pope. The Latin inscription at the top summarizes the events (© Ulrich Vogel 2024)

The murder scene in detail (© Ulrich Vogel 2024)

The Legend of the Murder

According to the legend, Count Adolf is said to have wronged Hartwig Reventlow’s daughter. When one of Hartwig’s brothers complains and becomes enraged, the count has him beheaded. Hartwig then swears revenge and resorts to trickery. Disguised as a hunter of the count, he gains access to Segeberg Castle, where he surprises Adolf in his bedroom and stabs him. Afterwards, Hartwig embarks on a pilgrimage to the Pope, who absolves him of his sins. In return, Hartwig vows to do penance and donate his wealth to the poor.

The Historical Background

This story has been passed down through the centuries and repeatedly embellished. However, it cannot be proven to have happened exactly as described and is considered unlikely; what is certain is that Count Adolf was murdered. Much suggests that the act had a political motive. Adolf and his relative, Gerhard III, Count of Holstein-Rendsburg, were rivals in the struggle for dominance over Holstein. Hartwig Reventlow served under Gerhard, making him a plausible suspect. It was not the only act of violence during this feud.

The Creation of the Panel

In 1595, Heinrich Rantzau had the tomb of Adolf VI restored in the Marienkirche. During this restoration, he had the panel painting and an inscription created. While the panel has been preserved, the whereabouts of the tomb are no longer known today.