In the streets of Constance (Konstanz), I came across this depiction of a three-headed peacock. Each head wore a tiara. What is the meaning of this strange combination? It is an allusion to the Three Popes Controversy.
The Three Popes Controversy
At the beginning of the 15th century, three popes were in power. At the Council of Constance (Konstanzer Konzil), influential people of Europe met and tried to solve this Three Popes Controversy, also known as Western Schism.
Finally, they chose a new pope instead of the three controversial ones. The building of the pope’s election still exists. It is the so-called Konzilgebäude near the shore of Lake Constance (Bodensee).
Sources / More info
- Council of Constance (Wikipedia)
- Western Schism (Wikipedia)