CATHERINE E. KARKOV, The Ruler Portraits of Anglo-Saxon England. Pp. viii+209 (Anglo-Saxon Studies 3). Woodbridge, Suffolk: Boydell Press, 2004. 55.00 (ISBN 1 84383 059 0).
Adam S. Cohen
CATHERINE KARKOV has established herself as one of the foremost expositors Anglo-Saxon art, and so it was with great anticipation that I delved into her recent consideration ruler imagery in tenth eleventh centuries. Although there are many virtues this book, some fundamental reservations lead me to conclude is not strongest among Karkov's important contributions our understanding art culture. Royal figures throughout Middle Ages frequently communicated nature their kingship via images. Particularly pertinent for kings were venerable Roman traditions, which filtered through Byzantines Carolingians; contemporary Ottonians also provided an counterpoint. Karkov admits she can do no more than provide a brief précis subject introduction, though serviceable. Still, citing Henry Mayr-Harting's book on Ottonian manuscript illumination, rather article by Josef Déer Lothar Cross, or continuing place Prayerbook Otto III Pommersfelden, Munich Staatsbibliothek (its home since 1995, Clm. 30111), does little inspire confidence. Nevertheless, perceptively notes differences between continental examples – former tended focus royal majesty liturgical setting, while latter emphasized authorship piety manuscripts decidedly historical nature.
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