Ottonian Collection

Christ, Holy Roman Emperor Otto II, and Empress Theophano. Ivory, 10th century
BYZANTINE ART. Christ, Holy Roman Emperor Otto II, and Empress Theophano. Ivory, 10th century

King Otto III and his mother Theophania, Empress Consort of Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor (colour litho)
3100840 King Otto III and his mother Theophania, Empress Consort of Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor (colour litho) by German School

Holy Roman Emperor Otto II the Red, Otho II Rufus, 955-983. Copperplate engraving from Abraham Bogaerts De Roomsche Monarchy, The Roman Monarchy, Francois Salma, Utrecht, 1697

The coffin of Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor, passing through crowds of Italians in revolt
LLM454542 The coffin of Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor, passing through crowds of Italians in revolt by Scarpelli, Tancredi (1866-1937); Private Collection; (add.info.: The coffin of Otto II)

Tomb of Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor, and Cunigunde of Luxembourg, Bamberg Cathedral, Germany (engraving)
3646893 Tomb of Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor, and Cunigunde of Luxembourg, Bamberg Cathedral, Germany (engraving) by Riemenschneider

Otto III, Holy Roman Emperor, with representatives of the princes, the nobility and the clergy (engraving)
3100842 Otto III, Holy Roman Emperor, with representatives of the princes, the nobility and the clergy (engraving) by German School

Christs Mission to the Apostles, c. 970-980 (ivory)
499712 Christs Mission to the Apostles, c.970-980 (ivory) by Ottonian, (10th century); 18.2x9.9x1 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH

The Emperor in Majesty, c. 975 (vellum)
BFM332117 The Emperor in Majesty, c.975 (vellum) by German school, (10th century); Aachen Cathedral, Aachen, Germany; (add.info)

Paying homage to the Holy Roman Emperor Otto III (colour litho)
3100829 Paying homage to the Holy Roman Emperor Otto III (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Paying homage to the Holy Roman Emperor Otto III)

Cod. 1948 Christ in Majesty (vellum)
BAL112343 Cod. 1948 Christ in Majesty (vellum) by Anno, (10th century); Hessisches Landes & Hochschulbibliothek, Darmstadt, Germany; (add.info.: Gero Codex, (before 969); ); German, out of copyright

Frankish costumes, 10th Century (coloured engraving)
968835 Frankish costumes, 10th Century (coloured engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Frankish costumes, 10th Century)

Christs Mission to the Apostles, c. 970-980. Creator: Unknown
Christs Mission to the Apostles, c. 970-980. This ivory plaque represents a full-length figure of Christ flanked by bust-length portraits of the twelve apostles

Book-Shaped Reliquary, c. 1000. Creator: Master of the Registrum Gregorii (German), circle of
Book-Shaped Reliquary, c. 1000. This sumptuous object closely resembles a deluxe medieval book cover in both form and decoration

Reliquary Cross, 10th century, (1881). Creator: A A Bradbury
Reliquary Cross, 10th century, (1881). Etching of an Anglo Saxon crucifix made c900-1000 AD, possibly in Winchester or Germany

St Henry, Holy Roman Emperor, 1886. Henry II (973-1024) was the fifth and final Holy Roman Emperor of the Saxon Ottonian dynasty

Illustration of St Luke, 11th century
Illustration of St Luke from four gospels in Latin, made at the monastery at Echternach (north of Trier), one of the last schools of Ottonian illustration

Gospel Book of Henry II (972-1024). Miniature
Henry II (972-1024). Holy Roman Emperor, King of Germany and Italy. Miniature. Gospel Book of Henry II. Folio 193v. C.1020. Vatican Apostolic Library. Vatican City

Otto III - Holy Roman Emperor
Otto III (980-1002) - Holy Roman Emperor. A member of the Ottonian dynasty, Otto III was the only son of Emperor Otto II and Theophanu. Date: circa 990

The Bernward Doors. 1015. GERMANY. Hildesheim. Cathedral of St. Mary. Decorated with the Biblical Scenes of Creation and Redemption. Ottonian art. Relief

Otto II (c. 955-983). King of Germania (961) and emperor (97
Otto II (c. 955-983). called the Red. King of Germania (961) and emperor (973-983). The emperor received the homage of four nations: Germania, Gaul, Italy and Illyria

OTTO II (955-983). Called the Red. King of Germany, 961-983, and Holy Roman Emperor, 973-983. Otto II on his throne surrounded by his provinces

TREE OF LIFE. Christ the Saviour in the Tree of Life. Page from a Gospel book, German, early 11th century

Codex Egberti. ca. 980. Nativity. Ottonian art. Miniature Painting. ITALY. Cividale del Friuli. Archaeological Museum

ST. PAUL. Ottonian ivory, 1030

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The Ottonian dynasty, which reigned over the Holy Roman Empire in the 10th and early 11th centuries, left an indelible mark on European history. At its helm stood Emperor Otto II and his formidable wife Empress Theophano. Their devotion to Christ was evident through their patronage of exquisite religious art. One such masterpiece is the Gospel Book of Henry II, a miniature marvel crafted during their reign. This intricately detailed ivory creation showcases scenes from the life of Christ, illustrating the deep spirituality that permeated Ottonian society. Otto III succeeded his father as Holy Roman Emperor and continued to uphold his family's legacy. A vibrant lithograph depicts him alongside his mother Theophania, who played a pivotal role in shaping his character and guiding him towards greatness. However, not all moments were filled with glory for these emperors. The passing of Otto II's coffin through crowds of rebellious Italians serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they faced during their rule. Their final resting places also bear witness to their significance in history. The tomb of Henry II and Cunigunde at Bamberg Cathedral stands as a testament to their enduring influence on German culture. In addition to political prowess, Otto III recognized the importance of unity among princes, nobility, and clergy. An engraving captures this harmonious gathering under his leadership – a symbol of stability within an ever-changing empire. Artistic expressions flourished under Ottonian rule too; ivory carvings like "Christ's Mission to the Apostles" depict biblical narratives with remarkable skill. Meanwhile, vellum creations like "The Emperor in Majesty" exude regal splendor while conveying spiritual authority. Another vellum masterpiece portrays Otto III enthroned – an image that epitomizes imperial grandeur blended with divine reverence. Indeed, paying homage to Holy Roman Emperors like Otto III became customary during their reign.