Ottonian Manuscript Illumination
Joshua O’Driscoll
After the collapse of Carolingian empire in 880s, east Frankish kingdom (roughly equivalent to modern-day Germany with parts Switzerland, Belgium, and Netherlands) experienced a period pronounced instability which political authority became largely decentralized hands local dukes. Despite challenges posed by crumbling structures repeated foreign incursions (Vikings from north Magyar attacks east), one such duke was particularly effective at building alliances establishing stability region. This man, Henry I (also called Fowler), Saxony, his election as king East Francia 919 essentially established new line rulers that would continue hold power region for more than century. dynasty, known Ottonians after their penchant name Otto, succeeded transforming into an bringing northern Italy under authority. transformation marked imperial coronation Otto I, son took place 962 St. Peter’s Basilica Rome. As emperors, looked back not only Imperial Rome, but also model empire. Just Charlemagne successors cultivated learning production manuscripts, so too did Ottonians. The illuminated however, seems have taken time develop—picking up toward end 10th Unlike Carolingians, there were never “court schools” painting. Rather, manuscripts produced important monastic centers, many closely tied family. art-historical category, Ottonian manuscript illumination generally refers book painting Holy Roman Empire mid-10th late-11th centuries—that is, several decades dynasty proper, 1024. majority these are biblical or liturgical books, intended function gifts ceremonial objects be used on high feast days. such, painters often made extensive use gold, purple, other precious materials, transformed books veritable treasures. Indeed, finest examples count among most spectacular survivals art entire Middle Ages. Traditionally, scholarly accounts been written histories style. To certain extent, this is due dearth factual information about when where created. Nevertheless, scholars begun approach corpus different perspectives, now digitized entirety freely available online, splendid body material accessible extent possible before.