The Second Bible of Charles the Bald: Patronage and Intellectual Community at St. Amand
Riccardo Pizzinato
Abstract : among the manuscripts produced for Charles Bald, King of West Francia (843-77) and Holy Roman Emperor (875-77), so-called Second Bible (Paris, BnF, MS Lat. 2) holds a special place. Illuminated in scriptorium abbey St. Amand between 870 873, Bible—unlike all other presented to king during this period—contains no human figures or royal portraits. It exhibits instead large initials patterned with geometric zoomorphic designs. In addition, volume opens long poem dedicated Bald written by Hucbald (ca. 840–930), master monastery school at Amand. Although Carolingian scholarship has investigated manuscript’s ornament, relationship Hucbald’s poetry book’s decorative program never been systematically examined. By analyzing both use script as image poem, article sheds light on Bible’s intended purpose message. Moreover, contributes more precise understanding Bald’s role patron argues that not only represents increasingly close crown, but also functions vehicle carries abbey’s pleas straight king’s heart.