ABSTRACT
Patron inscriptions are usually located in clearly visible positions, meaning that they are present to viewers. Some patron inscriptions, however, are of limited visibility, a patron inscription of so-called restricted presence. In this article the Juliana-relief in the eastern sanctuary of Worms Cathedral is used as the main example of this second type. It is directed towards the altar and is not visible to church visitors. One of three inscriptions on it is the patron inscription ADELBRAHT MONETARIVS. The placing of it raises several questions concerning its function. Why did he have his name placed in a position that afforded limited visibility? There could be several reasons: the inscription could have functioned as a legal document; the patron could also have thereby taken care of his own memoria, since the priest is able to see the inscription before the Mass; finally, the process of inscribing could be connected with the inscribing of his name in the ‘Book of Life’. There is also the question of how much importance was given to proximity to the altar or to the tomb or relic of a saint. This could be seen as analogous to the tradition to being buried as close as possible to the bodies of saints.
