Gospels of Otto III
Date:
Late tenth or early eleventh century
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Germany
Dimensions:
334 × 242 mm
Description:
This luxurious Ottonian Gospel book is preserved with its original front cover, at the center of which is a tenth-century Byzantine ivory. The manuscript includes portraits of the evangelists, narrative scenes from the New Testament, and an image of Otto III enthroned between prelates and warriors. The orb in his left hand, the eagle staff in his right hand, and his purple robes are all signs of imperial authority. On the facing page, personifications of four provinces (Roma, Gallia, Germania, and Sclavinia), approach bearing gifts.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
1,
6
Repository and Online Resources:
• Flip through the manuscript and see details of its original cover on the website of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek in Munich.
