Gospel Book (so-called Small Bernward Gospel)

Northeast French and German (Hildesheim)

last third 9th century (Mss)/ca. 1000 (front cover - second half 12th century)

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

The precious materials constituting this small gospel book were assembled in several stages. The manuscript was already a hundred years old when Bernward of Hildesheim commissioned a new cover, which likely included the tenthcentury Byzantine ivory we see at the center. The bejeweled frame is a twelfth-century addition, probably in honor of Bernward’s canonization. With the bold monogram on the back cover, Bernward asserts his status as owner and patron.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Gospel Book (so-called Small Bernward Gospel)
Date: last third 9th century (Mss)/ca. 1000 (front cover - second half 12th century)
Culture: Northeast French and German (Hildesheim)
Medium: Mss: Opaque paint, gold, and silver on parchment; Binding and front cover: Leather, copper worked in vernis brun; gilded copper, rock crystal, paint on parchment under horn (?) on oak. Byzantine ivory plaque
Dimensions: Overall: 8 7/8 x 6 11/16 in. (22.5 x 17 cm)
Classification: Manuscripts and Illuminations
Credit Line: Dom-Museum Hildesheim (DS 13)
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters