See What Launched Germany's Pre-eminence in Book Illustration
The miniatures depicting the life of Christ produced at the Monastery of Reichenau epitomize book illustration from the Ottonian period in Germany in the 9th-10th centuries.
Sample of the Book of the Gospels of Emperor Otto III, part 4. Sample of Book of Gospels of Emperor Otto III (11th century) by Monastery of ReichenauUNESCO Memory of the World
Monastery of Reichenau Book Illustrations
The book decoration from the monastery of Reichenau, situated on an island in the Lake Constance, epitomizes book illustration of the Ottonian period, during the 9th-10th centuries, when Germany achieved artistic pre-eminence in Europe for the first time.
Christ enthroned in heaven. Sample of the Bamberg Apocalypse (11th century) by Monastery of ReichenauUNESCO Memory of the World
Even though other important centers existed alongside the Monastery of Reichenau, hardly any other works of art have formed the image of Ottonian art as much as the miniatures which originated there.
The ascent of the blessed towards Christ. Sample of the Commentary on Canticles (11th century) by Monastery of ReichenauUNESCO Memory of the World
Period of Cultural Rise
The decline of the Carolingian Empire, political consolidation, renewal of the idea of the empire, and reform of the church all contributed to a period of cultural rise. The intense intellectual, cultural, and religious climate inspired artistic masterpieces.
Sample of the Book of the Gospels of Emperor Otto III, part 2 (11th century) by Monastery of ReichenauUNESCO Memory of the World
With sponsorship by Ottonian emperors and influential imperial bishops, the great churches of the empire were provided with priceless equipment and choice manuscripts.
Sample of the Book of Pericopes of Emperor Heinrich II, part 1 (11th century) by Monastery of ReichenauUNESCO Memory of the World
Several manuscripts contain dedication scenes which document the close association of the illuminated manuscript workshop with the Ottonian emperors or members of their court. Gospel-books were made for Holy Roman Emperor Otto III (983-1002) and for his successor Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (1002-1024).
The Ruler, Revelation of John. Sample of the Bamberg Apocalypse (1010) by Johannes Evangelist and Monastery of ReicheneauUNESCO Memory of the World
Portraits of Emperors
These portraits, which were integrated into the liturgical manuscripts, have received special recognition as works of art and historical sources. They expressed the view of ruler as protector of the church who was installed by God himself.
The apocalyptic woman and the dragon. Sample of the Bamberg Apocalypse (11th century) by Monastery of ReichenauUNESCO Memory of the World
Apocalypse in Medieval Art
In addition to portraits of the Emperors, clerical sponsors, and the four evangelists, the manuscripts contain the earliest examples of a narrative pictorial cycle based on the four gospels and the most magnificent versions of the Apocalypse in Western Medieval art.
The Birth of Christ and the Proclamation. Sample of the Bamberg Apocalypse (11th century) by Monastery of ReichenauUNESCO Memory of the World
Miniatures on the Life of Christ
As one of the manuscripts outstanding achievements, the book illustration from the Reichenau developed expansive cycles of miniatures on the life of Christ, which were to influence the art of subsequent centuries.
Sample of the Book of the Gospels of Emperor Otto III, part 3 (11th century) by Monastery of ReichenauUNESCO Memory of the World
Gospels and Catholic Mass
The manuscripts contain different versions of Jerome's Latin translation of the gospels, a text at the very center of medieval Western culture. From the time of its standardization under Charlemagne until the Second Vatican Council, the Latin Book of Gospels formed an essential part of the Roman Catholic Mass.
The apocalyptic woman fleeing from the dragon. Sample of the Bamberg Apocalypse (11th century) by Monastery of ReichenauUNESCO Memory of the World
The book illustrations reflect the spirituality of the time and were based on paintings from Late Antiquity, the Carolingian period, and Byzantium. Yet their intention was not imitation but creative new design.
Sample of the Book of Pericopes of Emperor Heinrich II, part 2. (11th century) by Monastery of ReichenauUNESCO Memory of the World
Written and illuminated during the 10th-11th centuries, the manuscripts combine traditions of liturgical books and their artistic decoration developed during the Carolingian period with influences from Late Antiquity and Byzantium. The iconographic tradition forms the basis of the medieval Romanesque manuscript illumination.
The sounding of the trombone and advent of apocalyptic horsemen. Sample of the Bamberg Apocalypse (11th century) by Monastery of ReichenauUNESCO Memory of the World
Political Upheavals
Over a period of an entire millennium, the manuscripts have survived numerous political upheavals (ranging from the Peasant's War over the Thirty Years War to the secularization of monastic houses in Germany and the World Wars of the 20th century) complete and without damage to their historical substance.
John Receives the Book of Revelation. Sample of the Bamberg Apocalypse (11th century) by Monastery of ReichenauUNESCO Memory of the World
Symbolic Value
The manuscripts represent the highest social rank of Medieval book production and ownership and epitomize the high symbolic value attached to the culture of the book in Medieval Christian society.
The sounding of the trombone and advent of locusts. Sample of the Bamberg Apocalypse (11th century) by Monastery of ReichenauUNESCO Memory of the World
The manuscripts are magnificent examples of Ottonian art and represent the climax of Medieval German manuscript illumination.
Initial O with prophet Daniel as author. Sample of the Commentary on Canticles (11th century) by Monastery of ReichenauUNESCO Memory of the World
The manuscripts stand out due to their artistic value and importance for German history.
