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Agnes II

1145 – 1203

Princess-Abbess of Quedlinburg, House of Wettin member

Nun AmanuensisIlluminator
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About Agnes II

Lived 1145 – 1203 (aged 57). Agnes II was a nun, amanuensis, illuminator and abbess.

Agnes II (Agnes of Meissen; 1139 – 21 January 1203) was a member of the House of Wettin who reigned as Princess-Abbess of Quedlinburg.

Life She was born in Meissen as the daughter of Conrad, Margrave of Meissen, and Luitgard of Swabia. In 1184, she was elected successor to Princess-Abbess Adelaide III.

Agnes was a significant patron of art, as well as miniaturist and engraver. During her reign, the nuns of Quedlinburg Abbey made large curtains that are indispensable in the study of the art industry of the era. She also wrote and illuminated books for divine service. However, her greatest masterpiece was the manufacture of wall-hangings, of which one set was intended to be sent to the Pope; this tapestry is the best preserved piece of Romanesque textile. She was known for combining her embroidering with her literary composition and even composed Latin verses on a piece of tapestry.

She died in Quedlinburg Abbey on 21 January 1203.

Legacy

Agnes is a featured figure on Judy Chicago's installation piece The Dinner Party, being represented as one of the 999 names on the Heritage Floor.

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Important facts

Birth century
Positions held
Abbess
Also known as
Agnes von Wettin, Agnes von Meißen

Family & relationships

Parent
Conrad, Margrave of Meissen
Parent
Luitgard of Swabia

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Agnes II's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Agnes II?

Princess-Abbess of Quedlinburg, House of Wettin member (1139–1203)

When was Agnes II born?

Agnes II was born on 19 June 1145 in Meissen.

When did Agnes II die?

Agnes II died on 22 January 1203 in Quedlinburg Abbey.

What was Agnes II's occupation?

Agnes II was a nun, amanuensis, illuminator and abbess.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Agnes II

· Wikidata: Q4693058

· DBpedia: Agnes II, Abbess of Quedlinburg

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Agnes II. https://biography.guide/agnes-ii/

MLA: "Agnes II." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/agnes-ii/.

Chicago: "Agnes II." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/agnes-ii/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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