Lorena’s and Timo research trip to Obernburg am Main
In late June 2026, our team members Lorena Pérez Yarza and Timo Eichhorn undertook a research trip to Obernburg am Main, Germany.
During their stay from 28 to 30 June 2026, Lorena and Timo conducted autopsies on local votive altars from the statio of the beneficiarii consularis (staff officers) housed in the Römermuseum in the town of Obernburg am Main, a former Roman fort from Germania Superior. The primary aim of the research was to investigate whether and which votive altars – dating predominantly to the late second and early third centuries CE – could be assigned to a common local style, a shared workshop tradition, or even to the hand of the same stonecutter.
To address these questions, each monument was examined autoptically using the Stone Masters’ methodology, which integrates iconographic, formulaic, material and palaeographic analysis. Particular attention was paid to the style of engraving as well as the morphology and structural composition of the inscribed supports, together with iconographic programmes and formulae. The study also examined the expression of technical, military abbreviations, with special emphasis on the execution of BF (beneficiarius consularis) with specific ligatures. The palaeographic analysis documented letterforms, terminal decorations, carving techniques, ordinatio (layout), and other graphic features relevant to identifying workshop practices and carving idiosyncrasies. The use of common graphic characteristics and features of supports as well as the evolution of iconographic changes and letter cutting have allowed Lorena and Timo to differentiate strict parallels of production, imitation of a main workshop and a potential evolution of the local epigraphic officina. Lorena and Timo would like to extend their special thanks to Eric Erfurth, Director of the Römermuseum, and the museum staff for the opportunity to carry out this research and for their warm hospitality throughout their visit.
Photos from the visit
