Stifter und Stiftungen im frühneuzeitlichen Hamburg

Foundations are a widespread phenomenon, which has existed in a variety of forms throughout history. It is worthwhile to examine this variety closely. Were there universal aspects having an effect on the individual founder's behaviour regardless of time and space? Did specific aspects deriving from social, political, or religious backgrounds of a certain place at a certain time leave their mark on the individual embodiment of a foundation? How was the ever implicit tension between the founder's will and the following realization of the foundation dealt with? The study discusses these questions and researches into the meanings embedding the different aspects of foundations in early modern Hamburg. Thus it highlights foundations as a complex gift exchange, which permeated many areas of life.