The Performative Manuscript: Art, Agency and Public Ritual in Ottonian Mainz
Jesús Rodríguez Viejo
The German city of Mainz under Archbishop Willigis (975–1011) witnessed a major flourishing the arts, particularly in field architecture. During this period, benedictional, now St Gall, was also commissioned. Its only figurative content is an image Christ Majesty on its first folio. Taken as case study, analysis permits approach to barely-explored concept performativity early medieval illuminated manuscripts. This Maiestas Domini, list blessings contained book and contemporary depictions religious ceremonies invites consideration joint role that manuscript played dynamic liturgical rites during which benedictional handled.
The Journal of Ecclesiastical History