LUPAMBULUS
Signs of love
Peter Michael Lupp
Background
Around 500 years ago, the Wintring priory church of the Premonstratensian monks from Wadgassen was dedicated to St. Wolfgang. The tribute paid to the saint was apparently based on the virtues that characterized his way of life. Not least because of his humanistic attitude to life, he was venerated locally as a bearer of hope from the late Middle Ages until the 18th century.
The motives that led to the appointment of St. Wolfgang as the patron saint of the priory church in Wintringen are not known. The clues that can be deduced from the saint's biography in conjunction with contemporary events in the 16th and 17th centuries became the starting point for an exploratory search movement that was to transfer a new way of thinking about virtues and the formation of the heart into the present day through the language of art.
Title of the art project
"Lupambulus" is the Latin form of the name "Wolfgang", which is made up of the words "lupus" [wolf] and "ambulare" [to go, to wander]. The unusual and mysterious Latin translation of this name provided the title for an art project that was intended to shed light on the reasons for the invocation of St. Wolfgang in the church in Wintringen right up to the present day.
Content and methodology of the search movement
The approach of the art project followed the idea of artistic research in order to explore new findings on the topic and reflect on them in an artistic way in the here and now. Various artistic and art-scientific methods were used in a process-oriented manner.
As with all art projects previously realized at the Cultural site Wintringer Chapel, this artistic search movement was directed towards the question of the extent to which socially relevant and socio-cultural aspects can still be ignited today through the language of art from a theme that was indigenous to the site in the past.
The importance of a saint as a patron saint and role model?
The question of the significance of St. Wolfgang as the patron saint of the town in the late Middle Ages has not previously been the subject of an art project. However, a closer look reveals exciting questions: Was he a guiding figure for the people in a time full of upheaval? To what extent was his art of living anticipated? Did he become a role model for a way of life whose values, goals and actions should also inspire one's own life in order to be healing and redeeming [from sins] for the soul, as it were?
By means of a reflective and exploratory artistic approach, the question of the credo with which the patrocinium [from the Latin patrocinium 'support'] of St. Wolfgang gave spiritual support and meaning to life to the people in the priory church in Wintringen in the 16th/17th century was investigated.
It has been proven that the saint provided people with a role model for their own lives due to his kind and philanthropic nature. His art of living and credibly putting virtues into practice was a glimmer of hope for many people.
Who was "Sancti Wolfgangi"?
The male first name Wolfgang is composed of the Germanic word "wolfa/wulfa" for "wolf" and the Old High German word "ganc", which can be translated as "walk, go, take up arms" or "fight". The figurative meaning can therefore be derived as "one who bravely goes [into battle] with the wolf". As already mentioned, "Lupambulus" is the Latinized form of the name Wolfgang.
Due to the cult that developed around the aura of St. Wolfgang of Regensburg, the name became one of the most popular names in the German-speaking world between the 15th and 17th centuries.
Wolfgang lived as a spiritual teacher, missionary and bishop from around 924 to 994 in times of upheaval. He came from a Swabian noble family and was a pupil at the renowned Benedictine monastery on the island of Reichenau on Lake Constance. He later became head of the cathedral school in Trier before entering the Benedictine monastery in Einsiedeln in 964. It was not until 968 that he was ordained a priest by Bishop Ulrich of Augsburg. The astute and linguistically gifted Wolfgang then went on a mission in Hungary and was called back to be appointed Bishop of Regensburg in 972. Wolfgang died on October 31, 994, and the day of his death is still commemorated today. He was canonized by Pope Leo IX in 1052. Since then, the bones of the great bishop have been venerated in the crypt of St. Wolfgang in the monastery of St. Emmeram in Regensburg.
In the midst of life, very close to people - a European saint
Wolfgang is one of the forefathers of a Christian Europe. Even during his lifetime, his charitable and beneficial work was highly regarded, as it was characterized by restraint, kindness and modesty. Wolfgang was particularly concerned with preaching the Gospel and caring for the poor. He personally saw to it that beggars and the sick were cared for. As an emergency helper and bread giver for the poor, whom he called his "lords and brothers", Wolfgang opened the bishop's granaries in the year of famine 987 and had them cook in his bishop's kitchen.
"Sancti Wolfgangi" as patron saint of the priory church in Wintringen
There are no concrete indications in sources as to the reasons why St. Wolfgang was chosen as the patron saint of the "Capell", possibly as early as the late Middle Ages. The name "Capell" can be interpreted to mean that the Piroratskirche was increasingly used as a place of worship (also for pilgrims) after the Peasants' Wars.
One explanation could be that the charismatic messenger of faith and the virtues he practiced were already known in our cultural area in the early Middle Ages, as his friend Heinrich von Babenberg, who studied at the monastery school on the island of Reichenau on Lake Constance, later became Archbishop of Trier [956]. Wolfgang followed him and, as mentioned above, became a teacher and head of the cathedral school in Trier. There, as a non-cleric in the lay state, he was responsible for the education of the young clergy and earned high recognition as a teacher of religious and life-suited virtues. His exemplary way of life and his living of human ideals prompted the Archbishop to appoint him Dean of the Cathedral.
The mother abbey in Wadgassen was certainly aware of these connections. Although the roots of his veneration and the legends can be traced back to the 12th century, they were not recorded until the end of the 15th century and became known beyond the borders in the 16th century.
Longing for a new order
In the late Middle Ages, the cult of St. Wolfgang spread like wildfire, giving him the pathos of a European figure of light. This may have been the trigger for the choice of St. Wolfgang as patron saint in Wintringen at that time. The traditions about the "zeal of the soul" and the values he embodied became a shining example for the population at the time. His veneration spread - as evidenced by the many Wolfgang churches - to numerous other regions in Germany and reached its peak in the 16th century! In the role of bishop, Wolfgang is still widespread today as a patron saint in southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
The effects of the Peasants' Wars, which according to a source from 1525 had led to the plundering of the priory, were certainly another reason to call on Wolfgang locally for assistance.
A look back at the time of the invocation of St. Wolfgang in Wintringen gave an idea of how social problems, which were also influenced by poverty and power-political eruptions such as the Peasants' Wars at that time, still have a socio-political relevance today in a different form. Similar to the present day, the period from the end of the Middle Ages to the 17th century was characterized by upheaval and a changing world order. Even then, pressing issues revolved around topics such as humanity, human rights, abuse of power, inequality and solidarity. To this day, this search movement continues to be linked to current challenges. Fears of death, poverty, illness and war, as well as the loss of meaning and purpose in earthly life, continue to play a decisive role in people's emotional state.
The art of living of St. Wolfgang
empathetic - compassionate - humble - committed - social - spiritual
Tradition suggests that Wolfgang evidently had the talent to convey and deepen a spiritual-religious attitude to life among the people without artificial piety. He wanted to pass on the spirit of humanity that inspired him. This art of shaping life in a profoundly humane way and authentically exemplifying the resulting values is something that he certainly also inspired in the Wintringen Priory Church.
The effect of the saint through the power of artistic representation
In the Middle Ages and the following centuries, the sacred - the sphere of the divine - was conveyed in particular through artistic representation in order to involve people more deeply in the faith and emphasize spirituality. Artistic depictions of the venerated saints accentuated their aura, which was to be transmitted to people through worship.
In this context, Wolfgang is depicted exclusively in the bishop's habit, figuratively as a sculpture made of wood or stone, but also in murals, panel paintings and other paintings. The pictorial language places the human being and ecclesiastical dignitary with the most diverse nuances at the center of the works throughout the ages.
A very fine example of this has been preserved in the Gothic church of St. Wolfgang in Pipping (Munich Obermenzing). Although in a simplified version, a comparable decoration (winged altar, sculpture, painting) could also have adorned the interior of the Wintring priory church in the 15th/16th century.
Further information: Church guide St. Wolfgang in Pipping
Photos: Kurt Weigl
Through the traditions of the sources and to a large extent through the language of art, it seems that the charisma of St. Wolfgang shines like a spiritual ray of light from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Transformation through the language of art
The central objective of the art project was to concretize the conventions and truths about the role of the figure of the saint in the past and - where appropriate - to transform them into a contemporary understanding through the language of art.
The project investigated whether a matrix of core mental states in human existence can be derived from the essences of St. Wolfgang's "art of living" using the language of art. This focus raises the question of what makes people fit for life in the current, diverse and social community.
All the research led to the conclusion that the foundation for drawing the figure of St. Wolfgang through time by means of new images is essentially virtues that have been exemplified. These were already attributed to him during his lifetime and passed down through generations as a role model. Twelve virtues were selected from the many and varied character traits which, according to the source research, correspond to St. Wolfgang and which show a high degree of probability with the traditional nature and charisma of the saint:
Love | Mercy | Faith | Respect | Patience | Truthfulness | Justice | Prudence | Peacefulness | Humility | Temperance | Wisdom
The training field: ethical life training and image reflection in everyday life
The promotion of self-thinking with regard to responsible action is based on the energy with which an examination of values in one's own life context takes place and a deepened awareness of certain virtues in everyday life is created. The virtues assigned to St. Wolfgang, in combination with the imagery discussed below, provide a mental training ground for everyday life. A ritual is recommended, which can take place on site at the Wintringer Chapel Cultural Site, but also with the support of the virtual representation [see below], in order to devote a moment to the following content in an undivided "devotion" [pause | reflection on the content and images | awareness]:
LoveThe unconditional affection and care for others.
MercyTo be aware of the suffering and need of other people and to actively help through action instead of just feeling pity.
FaithTrust in something higher and one's own conviction.
RespectAppreciation of other living beings and their boundaries.
PatienceThe ability to remain calm and composed, even under difficult circumstances.
TruthfulnessThe inner attitude of thinking and acting with honesty and sincerity.
JusticeThe endeavor to act fairly and impartially.
PrudenceThe ability to control oneself and to act in a considered manner.
PeacefulnessThe endeavor to avoid conflicts and to create peace.
HumilityAn attitude of modesty, respect and openness.
ModerationThe ability to maintain moderation, avoid extremes, curb one's own desires and feelings in order to find an inner center and live in balance.
WisdomThe ability to use knowledge and experience to make smart decisions.
Transfer, communication and interpretation of insights and knowledge modules gained in artistic/aesthetic forms of expression
The knowledge gained on the subject became the starting point for an artistically designed visual language in order to provide viewers with a completely new perspective on the subject from the depths of time. Source research, art historical analyses and the application of various experiments from other scientific disciplines provided the basis for these new artistic/
The Bishop - Lupambulus
Topic: Representatives for the visual language of the 16th century.
Position: Installation in front of the portal of the sacristy
At the center is a wooden sculpture of Saint Wolfgang from the 16th century, which was acquired after a lengthy search. As an authentic "representative", this sculpture - as "Lupambulus" - represents the lost historical imagery that was used by the faithful in the church in the 16th century. In a first step, the wooden sculpture was analyzed from an art historical perspective and then became the starting point for various experiments to transmit new "images" into the present. To this end, the work was examined radiologically and involved in systemic constellation work.
"X-Ray" radiological examinations
Topic: introspection, visualization with new technology
In the first experiment, radiological examinations were used to draw conclusions about further possibilities for interpreting the artistic and sensual expressiveness of the sculpture.
The Xcare radiology department at St. Ingbert District Hospital was kind enough to take both X-ray images and a computer tomography scan of the bishop's sculpture.
The pictures revealed the previously invisible with a highly aesthetic character and conjured up a completely new feel of the bishop. Most comparable to a pen and ink drawing, the resulting images accentuated the figure of the bishop as both an interior and exterior view. The invisible light revealed something that brought to light a completely new aesthetic on the emotional level of the visual language beneath the objective surface.
The bishop's cross
Topic: Direction and measure
Position: In the installation of the church window
Under the shoulder area of the bishop's cloak, the X-ray also highlights another interpretable sign: a simple cross in the shape of the primal cross [Crux immissa quadrata] with four arms of equal length. An archaic symbol from pre-Christian times: a crossing of two lines that come from the open and extend into the open to indicate a connection between heaven and earth and for direction and measurement. Space and time overlap at the point of intersection.
The painting ground
Topic: Background / intuition through energetically generated painting based on color findings
Based on contemporary colors, a "painting ground" was created in a process of energetic painting. The colors are based on findings from the remains of the ceiling painting of the Wintringer Chapel and the setting of the bishop's sculpture. The process created both a unifying pictorial composition and a further intuitive approach to the theme.
Design of the church window
Topic: Releasing the "inner energy" of the work
Position: Installation in the church window above the portal of the sacristy
The painting ground was provided by the coloring of the digital processing of an X-ray image. A section captured with these colors focuses on the unusual folds of the "Lupambulus" sculpture.
The deeply sinking folds of the robes apparently conceal certain areas and reveal others. The multi-layered nature of the bishop's vestments and the folds that emerge above them were revealed in the X-ray images in an unpredictable transparency and subtlety, making this metaphorical meaning clear. Inside and outside, introversion and extraversion become the subject. Barely visible areas became luminous, comparable to a figurative [water] sign. The impression was created as if the artist wanted to symbolize that certain things in the course of life are profound or difficult to see through and require patience and composure.
The inference from this interpretation of the sculpture's drapery allows the assumption that only in the light of a higher consciousness can a holistic view of the raison d'être and the mission of life be revealed on this spiritual path.
By digitally processing the X-ray images, it was possible to accentuate the play of folds in the bishop's vestments and transform them on a metaphorical level into a precisely fitting light image. The colorful background of the window image was provided by a painting that was laid down in contemporary colors. This image was transferred to the stained glass window above the door to the sacristy.
The experiment led to a dematerialization of the sculpture and thus allowed a completely new visual perception of the work. Literally, the invisible light opened up an insight into the hidden world of the sculpture's inner life, which radiates outwards.
Note: A complete image of the X-ray image is displayed in a sacrament niche
Position: Installation in the right-hand niche in the choir
Methodology: "Systemic constellation" in analog application
Topic: Reconnection to another time
Another experiment consisted of an analogous application of systemic constellation work. To apply this method, several people were first presented with the life of St. Wolfgang, the reasons for his invocation as a saint and the history of the priory of Wintringen, in which the mention of the saint also plays a role.
These people were then asked about the emotional impact of the sculpture and the X-ray images in front of them. These initial interviews revealed that prolonged contemplation of the sculpture and the X-ray images can trigger a reconnection to another time.
The sculpture was accepted by all respondents as an equivalent representative of a lost contemporary depiction of St. Wolfgang in the Wintringen church. When asked which human traits the sculpture conveys - in the sense of character traits - on closer inspection, there was a surprising correspondence with the characteristics that are also attributed to St. Wolfgang, above all humanity, love, humility and wisdom.
The poetic central idea
Topic: Lyrical approach
Position: Inscription on the pedestal of the bishop's sculpture
In order to link the traditional invocation of St. Wolfgang with the moment in a further emotional confrontation, a "thought dance" developed into a work of poetry that became the poetic guiding principle of the art project:
Peter Michael Lupp
Photographic experiment
Topic: Symbolically blurring time boundaries I Assignment of the 12 virtues
An important further step in bringing the rather abstract idea of the twelve ancestral virtues of St. Wolfgang into the present day was based on the medium of photography. This medium was intended to blur the boundaries of time. To this end, the sculpture of the bishop as a contemporary representative of the saint was placed in a photographic relationship with the background. Photographic techniques were used to play with the intensity of the coloring and the creation of selective blurring. The aim was to literally defuse the view of what is currently visible in order to symbolically blur the boundaries of time. The starting point of the photographic depth view was the extraordinary physiognomy of the head of the 16th century bishop's sculpture. In the blur created by the analog technique ["bokeh" technique; Japanese haze] against the background of the colorful power of the painting ground, image portraits were created that evoke a new observation. In free presumption, to what extent the photographs can stand for the spiritual and mental talent of St. Wolfgang shining through, twelve [blurred] photographs were assigned to the twelve virtues and a "portrait" of the sculptor was created.
The floor quote
Topic: Bringing 12 virtues (spiritual narratives) into connection with groundedness
Position: On the floor next to the choir arch at the rear exit
The twelve photographically created "virtue images" of St. Wolfgang became an integral part of a floor installation. For this purpose, surviving historical clay tiles from the 16th century chapel were reactivated for a floor quote in order to depict the spiritual narratives that have been photographically articulated in the twelve virtue images.
A movable frame was developed for the floor quote, into which the historical clay tiles, which were originally laid in a bed of sand, were inserted. In twelve recesses, picture carriers in the same format were added with the photographic works on the twelve virtues of St. Wolfgang. A matrix in the lower window of the northern side arcade shows the assignment of the virtues depicted in an alienated manner. The floor quotation is shown next to it.
Figurative sign [turning] momentum
Theme: Energy that drives you to look at life from new angles again and again
Position: Installation next to the choir arch at the main entrance
The bishop's sculpture was also subjected to a computer tomography scan during the radiological examination experiment at Xcare in St. Ingbert District Hospital. The result was a sequence of three-dimensional images of the sculpture, which now began to rotate on the screen, constantly revealing new snapshots of the bishop undergoing the scan. The unusual individual shots generated a series of image moments that, in their relentlessness, were reminiscent of a flowing movement through time. An energy that drives us to constantly look at life from new angles in order to draw conclusions about how life can be shaped. The static version of the photo series provided the idea of assigning each of the twelve virtues assigned to St. Wolfgang as part of the artistic process to a torque. Torques that allow viewers to visually explore the variety of options in order to create space for reflection. For twelve of the snapshots, a color from the color canon of the UNESCO Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve was chosen to visually highlight the twelve virtues.
EPILOG
The essence of things is incomprehensible, but it is not unknowable.
Thomas Aquinas
The idea of generating more knowledge about the significance of St. Wolfgang as the patron saint of the Wintringen church by applying the methodology of artistic research and developing projects from this was both exciting and worthwhile. The focus was not on production, but on experiments in which something unpredictable happened. The interweaving of scientific and artistic practices led to a visual language that would not have been possible without this methodical approach. The newly created knowledge modules and images now offer a new form of perception and appropriation of reality on the subject.
The Latin translation of the name Wolfgang - Lupambulus - has given the artistic process a mysterious and cheerful character. New images and signs for reality were uncovered from past messages that were embedded a long time ago in the remains of a former priory church via the light figure of St. Wolfgang as part of an artistic search movement: Love as a basic understanding between people. Formation of the heart in the mirror of art in everyday life.
The ideals that St. Wolfgang revealed to seekers in the Wintringen church as a "role model" and also through the language of art [sculpture, painting] were analyzed sufficiently and comprehensibly in the course of the project and assigned to twelve corresponding virtues.
The now uncovered emotional "field of action", which has been revealed to the searching people in the Wintringen church for 500 years through traditions and artistically designed images of St. Wolfgang, could be transformed into the present in a poetic-artistic visual language on site, as part of a multi-part installation of pictorial works. The examination of the work in all its facets is understood as an invitation to base one's own life and actions on a canon of values worthy of humanity and to uphold this against all odds.
The project makes it clear that the integration of art into this process can become an inspiring driving force that awakens the joy of experimentation and opens up unforeseeable new fields of vision.
However, the development and continuous refinement of this art of shaping life despite all contradictions is not an innate ability, but rather requires a very personal "all-day school without vacations", in which love becomes a basic understanding through meditation, prayer, nature experiences, art and interpersonal encounters.
Role models and the arts that reflect social challenges can play a decisive role in translating sustainable character traits and values into concrete action and consolidating one's own point of view. At the same time, this inspires a basis for social interaction as well as democratic and ecologically sustainable action.
The experience gained from this unusual art project underlines the idea of making a research-based approach the starting point and source of inspiration for art projects. Especially when it comes to integrating pressing issues into cultural education for sustainable development.
Thanks to Lupambulus!
This art project concludes a cycle of site-specific art projects that have been developed and discussed at the Wintringer Chapel Cultural Site over the last 30 years. As the essence of this cultural work, which I have had the privilege of curating over this long period, I would like to show that the methodology of artistically researching a selected topic can lead to unexpected new perspectives and insights. At the same time, the project shows that history is deposited in places and cannot simply be ignored if we want to draw conclusions about how we want to position ourselves as human beings in the present. The arts are unbeatable when it comes to conveying life under certain circumstances, or even to identifying what memory means for new ways of thinking and acting in the present!
It is time for us to realize that places of art and culture that seriously address the challenges of our time, including through the language of art, have a central function in raising political and cultural awareness!"
Peter Michael Lupp [Curator Cultural site Wintringer Chapel I Artist]
The results of the artistic examination of the former patron saint of our cultural monument literally send an important signal for social coexistence from the center of the Wintringer farm to the world! The memory of the only verifiable patron saint of the former Wintringer church and the virtues for which he was venerated locally in the 16th century fit the times! In an alienating society, there is still a need for Cultural sites that give people support and orientation and where social participation is made possible! In this context, the art project offers an opportunity to reflect in the special atmosphere of the medieval cultural monument on those human character traits that help us to hold society together beyond our own interests. As an aid to life, we are particularly interested in strengthening an awareness of humanity and experiencing appreciation beyond disability! The Wintringer Chapel Cultural site also offers a resonance space for this through the language of art and culture! We are delighted to be able to offer people this ambitious place of art and culture in cooperation with the Saarbrücken Regional Association and the municipality of Kleinblittersdorf!
Klaus Posselt [Managing Director of Lebenshilfe für Menschen mit Behinderung Obere Saar e. V.]
Literature/sources
A comprehensive and illustrated documentation of the art project will be published in spring 2026.
Site visits with guided tours for groups are available on request
Contact: pm.lupp@web.de
Acknowledgments
A special thank you for supporting the project goes to the Xcare radiology department of the St. Ingbert district hospital and to the Catholic parish of St. Wolfgang in Pipping (Munich/
Musical and intellectual reflections on the art project
Under the title
Are you with me?
will take place on 31. May 2026, at 5 p.m., at the Wintringer Chapel Cultural site, there will be a concert with the band Vintage 78.