Manuscripts
The first of the selected manuscripts are called “Codex Aureus of Echternach, ” and it was completed around A.D. 1030 in the Abbey of Echternach. The manuscript was most likely commissioned by Abbot Humbert von Echternach, but it is not certain if he was the original commissioner, which makes the reason for commission unknown. The purpose of the manuscript was likely to demonstrate the ability of the craftsmen and to display it as a piece of art. It is one of the most lavishly decorated manuscripts, and due to its beauty, it attracted King Henry III to additional commission manuscripts from the same illuminators (Walther & Wolf, 2014). Today decorative religious texts are relatively rare and are almost never displayed as art.
The second and third manuscripts are called “The Liuthar Gospels” and “Gospels of Otto III.” They were created approximately in A.D. 1000 at the Abbey of Reichenau. The manuscripts were commissioned by Otto III as a gift to celebrate his reign. Their purpose was to tell the stories of the bible while celebrating Emperor Otto III. The illustrations are very vivid and serve to present both the Bible and Otto in a dignified and glorious manner (Walther & Wolf, 2014). Such religious texts are not produced today because royalty is rarely treated as holy people.
Churches
Maria Laach Abbey represents the Romanesque style of architecture. It is located on the southern shore of Lake Laach in the Eifel region of Germany and was completed in the 12th century. On the other hand, Gothic church architecture is represented by the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Amiens, which is located in Amiens, France, and was built in the 13th century.
Maria Laach Abbey is often considered one of the most exquisite works of Romanesque architecture. It contains multiple towers, including round and square designs, a cupola with a cone-shaped roof, and a quire emblematic of the Romanesque style. Another element of the church is a single-story porch that surrounds a small courtyard. It is decorated with carvings representing various religious and mythical figures. The interior of the church is notable for the tomb of the founder Pfalzgraf Heinrich II, as well as various murals and mosaics that were added in more modern times. All of the decoration is dedicated to showcasing characters and events of the Bible (“Benediktinerabtei Maria Laach,” 2017). A visitor to the abbey would notice how the dark columns and arches stand out on the white ceiling and walls, focusing most of the attention on murals and other decorations.
The exterior of the cathedral consists of three vast deep porches, which are capped by a gallery of 22 life-size statues of the original kings of Israel; a rose window; two towers which were added later; and a spire over the central crossing. Perhaps the most exemplary of the gothic style are the flying buttresses and pointed portals decorated with elaborate sculptures of saints that are venerated in the area. An interesting aspect of the façade is that it was originally painted with various colors, which was uncommon at the time. The interior is decorated with stained glass windows, polychrome sculptures, and chapels dedicated to saints and various industries such as the cloth industry. Works of art of different periods can also be found in the massive interior. A visitor to the cathedral would be amazed by the height of the ceilings supported by 126 columns. The rose window is highly detailed and accentuates the pointed arches of the nave (“Tours,” 2017). Overall it is highly impressive.
Conclusion
The medieval period produced a number of beautiful manuscripts and architecture. Manuscripts allowed people to learn the Bible while enjoying detailed illustrations. On the other hand, the intricately decorated churches of the Romanesque and Gothic styles brought the believers together by being a public representation of the Bible.
References
Benediktinerabtei Maria Laach. (2017).
Tours et trésor de la cathédrale d’Amiens. (2017). Web.
Walther, I. F., & Wolf, N. (2014). Codices illustres: The world’s most famous illuminated manuscripts. Cologne, Germany: Taschen.