Codex Caesareus Upsaliensis

Codex Caesareus Upsaliensis

Although sometimes referred to as the Emperor’s Bible, the Codex Caesareus Upsaliensis is actually an 11th century Gospel book originating from the famous scriptorium of Echternach Abbey when that institution was at the peak of its manuscript production. It was commissioned ca. 1050 by the Emperor Henry III (1016-56) who then gifted it to Goslar Cathedral, an event which is depicted in a presentation miniature depicting the Emperor gifting the codex to Jude the Apostle and Simon the Zealot, who were the patron saints of the cathedral. On the opposite page, an additional miniature shows the coronation of Henry III and his wife Agnes of Poitou (1025-77) and both miniature pages are framed with a lovely textile pattern.

Décor Worthy of an Emperor

Aside from the two full-page miniatures at the beginning, each Gospel is preceded by a full-page Evangelist portrait. Five full-page initials also aid to introduce the commentary by Saint Jerome and each individual Gospel, in addition to two decorative incipit pages, respectively. Twelve gorgeous canon tables written in gold ink with vaulted arches, multicolored columns, and medallions with the Apostles and other figures. A single scribe appears to be responsible for the text, which was written by a masterly hand in Carolingian miniscule. Chapter headings and passages are preceded by decorative purple-green initials with gold leaf. The text ends with a series of pericopes and other short passages for specific holidays, indicating its ceremonial purpose.

A Missing Masterpiece

After being donated by the Emperor, the manuscript stayed in the treasury of Goslar Cathedral for more than five centuries, where it would have been used for ceremonial occasions and important holidays. The precious codex was lost in the course of the Thirty Years’ War (1618-48) when the Protestant city of Goslar was occupied by allied Swedish troops from 1632-34. However, the priests of the cathedral continued to practice Catholicism, and as such may have been the victim of plunder. Nonetheless, when it resurfaced more than 100 years later ca. 1740 it was in the possession of the Swedish diplomat, civil servant, and bibliophile Gustaf Celsing the Elder – and the luxury binding was gone. Upon the death of his son in 1805, the work was acquired by Uppsala University where it remains to this day.