Women in the Ottonian Church: an Iconographic Perspective
Rosamond McKitterick
Although the principal relationship observable in an early medieval manuscript illustration is that between artist and his or her text, interests of reader, many cases first owner commissioner illustrated book, could to some degree determine extent elaboration illustrations, and, possibly, aspects iconography. The incidence women illustrations Christian books Carolingian Ottonian periods, therefore, a potentially fruitful source for examining attitudes towards women’s role Church Middle Ages. It may be possible see, firstly, whether prominence New Testament, Gospels particular, enhanced elaborated ninth- tenth-century visual interpretations these texts, or, secondly, there are any other innovations which shed light on religious work within Church. But what this potential realized? Are omissions as significant inclusions? Can we conclude much from relative dearth pictures books, opposed greater number portrayed books? purpose paper examine phenomenon its context thereby suggest preliminary explanations.
Studies in Church History