Codex Aureus of Echternach
The Codex Aureus Epternacensis or Golden Gospels of Echternach is one of the most beautiful books to have survived to the present day. It originated from the famous scriptorium of the Benedictine Abbey of Echternach in Luxemburg, which produced dozens of masterpieces of Carolingian and Ottonian illumination. The text is completely written in gold ink and furnished with 64 magnificent miniatures, numerous purple pages, as well as five Evangelist portraits, decorative canon tables, and other decorative elements. Classical architectures with arches and columns, borders with geometric and acanthus leaf patterns, and interlace initials additionally adorn the text. The De Luxe Edition features a cover with replica ivory plate showing the crucifixion, magnificent gemstones, and enamel work. This manuscript represents one of the most magnificent works of medieval illumination from any epoch.
Golden Gospels of Echternach
This Gospel book is a work of inconceivable magnificence, extravagant in its wealth of visual motifs, handsome ornamentation, and splendidly colored scenes depictions of biblical events. The size of the parchment pages (31 x 44 cm) already betrays the significance of this book as an object of prestige. The Echternach school of painting reveals the full bloom of its unique mastery in 64 full-page miniatures and canon tables and hundreds of precious initials. The dignified impression of the manuscript is elevated by silver tones and imperial purple. The name of the Codex Aureus originates from its extravagant use of gold on nearly every page.
Echternach Monastery and Saint Willibrord
The Benedictine Abbey of Echternach in Luxemburg was founded by Saint Willibrord (ca. 658–739), an Anglo-Saxon itinerant monk from Northumbria. When he died at Echternach at the age of 81, he had long since laid the groundwork for Echternach to host one of the most important imperial scriptoria on the continent, and arguably the most important. In the 11th century, the ruling Salian dynasty named it their court atelier. An estimated 100 magnificent and golden illustrated manuscripts were made in Echternach during this century: the Echternach Sacramentary, Echternach Evangeliary, Pericopes of Henry III, the Salian Imperial Evangeliary…none, however, is as beautiful and as famous as the Golden Gospel Book - the Codex Aureus Epternacensis.
Gorgeous Text
The parchment pages, on which the text of the Gospels is written down in pure gold, the symbol of light and enlightenment, are particularly gorgeous. The text itself appears in two columns; it is animated with small golden initials or larger initials, which are interspersed with wickerwork. Human figures, birds, and columns often serve as ornaments. To emphasize individual passages, initials were painted that extend over an entire column.
A Glimpse of Everyday Life
The great picture cycle of the New Testament appears in four parts, which appear at the beginning of the respective Gospel texts. In them, the biblical events are depicted with a wealth of lively details. On sixteen pages, more than a hundred individual representations are subdivided into three zones. Each of the four parts covers a period of Christ’s life on earth. The fidelity to the biblical text has been preserved down to the smallest detail. All the pictures are a mirror of the Middle Ages. Thus the Codex Aureus represents an inexhaustible source for the study of everyday medieval life.
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- Codex Aureus Epternacensis
Goldenes Evangelienbuch von Echternach
Golden Gospels of Echternach - Size / Format
- 272 pages / 44.5 × 31.0 cm
- Origin
- Luxembourg
- Date
- 1020–1050
- Style
- Genre
- Language
- Illustrations
- 64 decorative pages, 16 full-page miniatures (each with 3 scenes), 5 evangelist portraits, 10 canon tables, 9 full-page, 16 half-page and 503 smaller initials, entire text written with gold ink
- Patron
- Probably Abbot Humbert von Echternach (1018–1051), cover commissioned by Emperor Otto III (980–1002) and his mother Theophanu (960–991)
- Artist / School
- Master of the Registrum Gregorii (influence)
- Previous Owners
- Duke Ernst II of Saxe-Coburg and Altenburg (1745-1804)
House of Coburg-Gotha
Codex Aureus of Echternach
Entablature of a Canon Table
The Gospels of Matthew and Luke are presented side by side under four arches to aid the reader in their religious studies – these are the Canon Tables created by Eusebius of Caesarea. Resting on five columns with artful capitals, this elaborate entablature is exemplary of Ottonian illumination and the scriptorium of Echternach Monastery in particular. It makes use of only the finest pigments and glimmering gold leaf, all executed by some of the finest illuminators of the period.

Codex Aureus of Echternach
Front Cover - Crucifixion
This Late-Ottonian treasure binding is arguably the finest to survive the Middle Ages. It actually dates to approximately 50 years before the manuscript itself and likely originated in Trier. An ivory plague at the center depicts the Crucifixion, which was originally painted with blue and green, of which only traces remain.
Four gold panels in repoussé gold relief show the Four Evangelists and their symbols with various background foliage. Other figures include Emperor Otto III and his Byzantine mother, Theophanu, as well as the Virgin Mary, St. Peter, and four saints specific to Echternach Monastery. They are divided by a band alternating between gem-encrusted gold filigree, enamels, and thinner gold bands with strings of small pearls.

#1 Goldenes Evangelienbuch von Echternach (Luxury Edition)
Language: German
#2 Goldenes Evangelienbuch von Echternach (Standard Edition)
Language: German
#3 Goldenes Evangelienbuch von Echternach (Cork Box Edition)
Language: German
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