Expressing Political Legitimacy and Cultural Identity Through the Use of Spolia On the Ambo of Henry II
Karen Rose Mathews
Abstract This paper will explore the significant role appropriated objects played in Ottonian artistic production through a close examination of Ambo Henry II. Created by last emperor for Palace Chapel at Aachen between 1002 and 1014, II abounds with spolia. I argue that spolia reused on presented an innovative statement II's political, economic, cultural agenda. The from ancient Rome contemporary Byzantium portrayed as political successor to illustrious Roman past, equal Byzantine emperors East. luxury also served commodities whose symbolic value increased dramatically when they were taken out economic circulation used this precious artwork. Finally, Islamic allowed define himself his Western Empire terms Other, associating rule power, prestige, sophistication competitive foreign cultures.
Medieval Encounters