Susanna Crystal
Type:
Engraved gems
Date:
Before 869 (with a fifteenth-century frame)
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Germany
Medium:
Rock crystal
Dimensions:
11.5 cm diameter and 1.3 cm thickness for the rock crystal
Description:
This rock crystal with intaglio-carved scenes has an inscription that declares, "Lothair, king of the Franks, caused me to be made" (LOTHARIVS REX FRANCORVM FIERI IVSSIT). Its narrative imagery represents the biblical story of Susanna and the Elders, in which the wife of a rich merchant is falsely accused of adultery and is subsequently found innocent. The narrative begins in the top left, where Susanna stands in a wall garden with the two elders while Susanna's servants coming running to her aid.
The so-called Susanna (or Lothair) Crystal was made for the Carolingian King Lothair II (r. 855–69), who sought to divorce his wife Theutberga in 857 so that he could marry his mistress Waldrada, the mother of his illegitimate son. In an attempt to make the divorce legitimate, Lothair had Theutberga accused of incest. Although she was found guilty in 862, she was reinstated as he wife three years later. Lothair continued his attempts at having the marriage annuled but never succeeded. He probably had this crystal made near the end of his life as a show of contrition. Alternatively, he may have commissioned it as a more general declaration of his commitment to justice.
The so-called Susanna (or Lothair) Crystal was made for the Carolingian King Lothair II (r. 855–69), who sought to divorce his wife Theutberga in 857 so that he could marry his mistress Waldrada, the mother of his illegitimate son. In an attempt to make the divorce legitimate, Lothair had Theutberga accused of incest. Although she was found guilty in 862, she was reinstated as he wife three years later. Lothair continued his attempts at having the marriage annuled but never succeeded. He probably had this crystal made near the end of his life as a show of contrition. Alternatively, he may have commissioned it as a more general declaration of his commitment to justice.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
5
Repository and Online Resources:
• Read more about this object on the website of the British Museum.
• Listen to a podcast on the Susanna Crystal in the BBC series "A History of the World in 100 Objects."
Image Credits:
© Trustees of the British Museum
