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Gospel Book of Otto III, c.1000AD



MINIATURIST, German (active around 1000 in Reichenau)
Gospel Book of Otto III
c. 1000
Manuscript (Clm 4453), 334 x 242 mm
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, Munich

The right side of the double page (folio 24r) shows the enthroned ruler Otto III in front of a curtain, with the sceptre and orb, surrounded by representatives of the spiritual and temporal estates. He is attended by two clerics, perhaps Heribert, the chancellor of Italy, and Leo, the future bishop of Vercelli, and two armed soldiers. At the time this miniature was painted, Otto was approximately 18 years old and virtual master of Europe.
Source: Web Gallery of Art, Gospel Book of Otto III



Referenced on p.42, Carolingian Cavalryman AD 768-986 by D. Nicolle
‘Emperor Otto III and his barons,’ around 1000. The sword held by the white-haired nobleman has a nut-shaped pommel and long straight quillons, in a style that remained in use until the 13th century. (Book of Gospels, Baverische Stadtsbibliothek, Munich, Germany).

From the same manuscript: Folio 188v, Christ weeps over Jerusalem. Gospel Book of Otto III, c.1000AD. Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, Clm 4453.

Baverische Stadtsbibliothek



See also a Carolingian banner in the Psalter of St. Bertin, Northern France, c. 1000 AD. BM. Boulogne Ms. 20
Other Ottonian and Carolingian Illustrations of Costume and Soldiers
10th Century Illustrations of Costume & Soldiers