Leaves from the Bernward Bible

early 11th 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 Bernward Bible is the only complete Ottonian Bible to survive from the tenth and early eleventh centuries. (It is currently disbound as the manuscript undergoes conservation.) It exemplifies the virtuosity of Ottonian calligraphy, lavishly decorated with intricately detailed ornamental initials. In comparison, the canon tables are surprisingly sparse. The similarity of the lettering of this Bible and the Guntbald Sacramentary (nearby) suggests that Bishop Bernward commissioned this volume as well.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Leaves from the Bernward Bible
Date: early 11th century
Culture: German (Hildesheim)
Medium: Opaque paint, gold, and silver on parchment
Dimensions: Overall: 17 11/16 x 13 9/16 in. (45 x 34.5 cm)
Overall (Footprint Dimensions): 17 15/16 x 27 3/16 in. (45.5 x 69 cm)
Classification: Manuscripts and Illuminations
Credit Line: Dom-Museum Hildesheim (DS 61)
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters