Representations of Power in Medieval Germany 800-1500 (review)
Judith Collard
Reviewed by: Representations of Power in Medieval Germany 800-1500 Judith Collard Weiler, Björn and Simon MacLean, eds, (International Research, 16), Turnhout, Brepols 2006; cloth; pp. xiv, 348; 16 b/w illustrations; R.R.P. €60.00; ISBN 2-503-51815-X. political power as personified the figure king or emperor have played a major role German historical scholarship. Discussions medieval ritual imagery been given prominence that is marked contrast to historians researching other regions. When like Percy Ernst Schramm Kantorowicz, for example, focused on concepts kingship, they examined these ideas not only through treatises texts, but also ways were expressed material artefacts such buildings, manuscript illumination royal insignia, crowns, sceptres orbs. They explored integrated nature cultural expression featured work near contemporary, Aby Warburg. Little this research has available English translations, so its influence restricted. This current collection comes out conference held 2003 at Gregynog, Wales, which brought together an international gathering scholars, all whom material. All essays are English, one aims reflect how impact more recent scholarship expanded questions field. The introduction itself useful account developments historiography, well being themes issues found within volume. Not surprisingly idea empire 'State' receive particular attention. Hans-Werner Goetz's article Astronomer's Life Louis Pious, contains substantial debates. Goetz traces understandings 'Herrschaft' 'lordship' from late nineteenth century and, particular, with emergence 'New Constitutional History' dominated 1930s 1970s. He uses writings argue [End Page 235] early had clearer perception order their society than suggested accounts. While explores 'bottom-up', Warren Brown examines Empire it was understood by Carolingian Court, those edges empire. does examinations terminology charters produced western Bavaria. Similarly David Warner distinctions between perceptions Court outside his essay 'The Representation Empire: Otto I Ravenna'. One striking things about range sources used. surprising, contribution made recognition culture furnishing important primary research. In Queen Emma, wife German, Eric Goldberg begins analysis changing fortunes queen discussion woven belt presented Bishop Witgar Augsburg. Emma unusual consort because her long life meant status court fluctuated response wider family highlights difficulties faced diplomatic marriages. Ottonian manuscripts particularly rich ruler portraits both proclaim agendas patrons providing moral exempla good leadership audiences. It surprising then several articles draw strong visual tradition, using images periods. John Bernhardt seals part evidence nuanced reading shifting era. Jeffrey Ashcroft celebrated Manesse Codex discuss representation kingship love-songs Henry VI Frederick II. Although mentioned title, another illuminated text, Peter Eboli's Liber ad honorem Augusti, gets...
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