2023-02-01
The Ludolfing dynasty reigned in the Holy Roman Empire between 962 and 1024. Ottonian's art is the term used to describe the works created in the First Reich during these years. In the following article, we will focus on the most important manifestations of art: architecture and painting (especially book painting).
When considering the architecture of the Ottonian period, it is worth starting with general statements. Ottonian's art was shaped by the Carolingian tradition, by early Christian art and - since Otto III's mother, Theophano, was a Byzantine princess - by Byzantine art of the time.
One of the most important commissioners was Bishop Bernward, who had seen the great basilicas in Rome and had come into contact with classical art. Around 1001, he founded the Abbey Church of St Michael in his episcopal town of Hildesheim. Interestingly, the church was symmetrical: an apse with a transept is located in both the eastern and western sections. The nave had a ceiling or open roof truss (like Roman basilicas). The idea of a westwerk was taken from Carolingian architecture.
Other important monuments included the church of St Pantaleon in Cologne and the church of St Cyriak in Gernrode.
The most important centres where miniature painting was produced included Trier, Echternach, Reichenau and Cologne. The Trier scriptorium boasted, among others, the Egbert Psalter. It contains illuminations with depictions of the Evangelists, 51 scenes from the life of Christ and Mary, a unique depiction of Bishop Egbert, ornate initials and incipit pages (a formula often placed at the beginning of medieval manuscripts. The creators modelled their work on late antique and Byzantine motifs, creating a work characterized by the full features of Ottonian art.
Another exceptional monument of Ottonian writing culture is the Golden Codex of Echternach, made in the scriptorium just in Echternach as a foundation of Empress Theophano. The manuscript contains as many as 60 illuminated pages, the text was written in golden minuscule. The rich binding is decorated with precious stones, pearls, enamel plates, gold reliefs and an ivory plate inside.