Coronation Gospels of the Holy Roman Empire

The Coronation Gospels of the Holy Roman Empire, also known as the Vienna Coronation Gospels, represents a highpoint of Carolingian manuscript art. This work is centrally important, as it is one of the imperial crown jewels on which any of the Roman-German Kings must take their coronation oath. It is opulently appointed and arranged in an evangelistary fashion. Sixteen canonical panels, four evangelical paintings, and other artistic jewelry adorn the grandly crafted calligraphy, all of which is crowned by a lavishly expensive and artful cover.

Precious Materials and Art in the Ancient Tradition

The Coronation Gospels of the Holy Roman Empire is a tremendous work of inestimable significance. All of the 236 pages are purple parchment, a writing material of the highest worth and also therefore possessing great symbolism, the luxury manuscript contains the four Gospels, each prefaced with an Evangelist portrait. Throughout these fine purple pages, the biblical passages are written in gold and silver, with each Gospel text prefaced by a great initial. The Four Evangelist paintings most likely originate from various hands, who nonetheless attempted uniformity in style as they aimed to mimic the ancient painting techniques in their depiction of bodies and space. Wrapped in supple white raiment, the Evangelists are enthroned like ancient philosophers in the middle of the paintings, with a wide landscape and endless sky in the background. The artists of this manuscript, who presumably were from the Byzantine world, were part of Charlemagne's Palace School in Aachen .The 16 canonical archways are similarly underlined with the architectural elements of a combined ancient and medieval character.

The Binding

The magnificent binding of this manuscript catches one’s eye from the very first glance. The masterfully crafted golden cover is a work Late Gothic goldsmithing by Hans von Reutlingen, who created 700 years later in the 15th Century in order to emphasize the significance of the Coronation Gospels. A delicate relief with image of God the Father on His throne is in the middle of the scene of Annunciation, surrounded by the four Evangelist symbols in the corners, decorates the writing within. In this fine handmade work of craftsmanship, the glory of the gold is strengthened by the illumination of small diamond shards, with much more attention focused on the sapphire placed on the chest of God.

Historical Significance

Created ca. 800 at the behest of Charlemagne, this manuscript was used for centuries in the coronation of all Roman-German king, all of which took place in Aachen until 1531. The candidates took their oath on the codex by placing their hand on the opening page of the Gospel of John as they took their oath. A legendary event illustrates the importance of the manuscript: according to legend, when the tomb of Charlemagne was opened in the year 1000, the coronation gospel lay on his knees. As a result, it was revered in Aachen as a relic of Charles and to Vienna in 1811 reached Paderborn, where it is kept today together with the other imperial jewels. The magnificent cover is exhibited in the treasury of the Kunsthistorisches Museum as a highlight of the collection, the manuscript itself is too fragile for permanent exhibition after more than 12 centuries and is kept as a valuable treasure in a climate controlled safe.