Poeme, Bilder, Kommentare. Die Bibel im Gebrauch von Königen und Adligen der Karolingerzeit
Wolfgang Haubrichs
Since the times of Charlemagne, who ordered correction and emendation extant biblical manuscripts, splendid bibles (Prachtbibeln), pentateuches, psalters gospel books, often richly illustrated and, for iconography, dependent on antique models, were dedicated to rulers. The kings themselves, especially Charles Bald (840-874), initiated production such magnificent holy codices. But kings, members high nobility, their capellae libraries, also manuscripta everyday use can be proved. Amazing, above all, is dedication complex bible commentaries rulers by distinguished theologians like Hrabanus Maurus (780-856), abbot monastery Fulda, which intended open allegorical sense Holy Scriptures layity. Dedication poems letters supply evidence that books spiritual remedies, giving comfort consolation. aristocrats searched, guided theological exegesis, mysteria Dei, secrets Scriptures. Especially Old Testament provided models imitatio ancient just at same time, gave instructions admonitiones good government. last stage reached with (scanty) late Carolingian Latin bible-epics contemporaneous vernacular poetry, producing most extensive always in relation kings. harmony Saxon Heliand (c. 840/50) was Ludovicus piissimus Augustus, while Frankish Liber Evangeliorum Wissembourg monk Otfrid (863/71) Louis German, king orientalia regna Francorum.
Brepols Publishers eBooks