The Epitaph of Alcuin: A Model of Carolingian Epigraphy
Luitpold Wallach
WHAT we know about Alcuin's authorship' of the famous epitaph Pope Hadrian I, written at request Charlemagne, warrants supposition that own epitaph, by him shortly before his death on 19 May 804, in all probability resembled it epigraphic workmanship.2 The elegiacs this inscription are extant manuscripts alone; originally they were engraved a bronze tablet.' Although would be an easy task to reconstruct original appearance - undoubtedly Roman square capitals with proper ligatures, nomina sacra, and special letters as known us from preserved nothing gained such exercise. Like Hadrian's, Alcuin was likelihood another product school Tours.4 Since became formula model for other epitaphs Carolingian age, is printed here literary commentary.5 authorship, reported anonymous biographer, will rendered certain parallels between poetry listed notes following text.6
Speculum