Scroll Exultet

Scroll Exultet

The Exultet is the ceremonial hymn of praise sung during the Christian liturgy of the celebration of the Easter vigil. In it, Christ is praised as the light of the world and his resurrection is placed in connection with the divine plan of salvation as revealed in the Old Testament. A few extremely rare scrolls containing the text and melody of the Exultet originated between the 10th and 13th centuries. A particularly precious specimen of these is the Scroll Exultet at hand. The work originated between 981 and 987, most likely in Montecassino Abbey, which developed in the course of time into one of the leading centers of culture in Italy. Ten fascinating miniatures illustrate the hymn of praise. The script is embellished with 23 golden decorative initials.

Rare Documents

Exultet scrolls originated from southern Italy, most of them were written and illustrated in the Montecassino Abbey. The format of the scrolls was chosen intentionally, although manuscripts had been recorded in the form of codices since the 4th century. The Exultet was read aloud from the so-called ambo, an architectural idiosyncrasy of Italian churches. The ambo was a raised position for a speaker that was replaced by the pulpit in later church construction. The priest could read from the Exultet in his position and lower it from the ambo, so that those attending mass could see the beautifully designed scrolls.

Masterpieces of their Time

The Scroll Exultet before us contains some of the most beautiful Romanesque miniatures. The fresh and unadulterated depictions show influences of Byzantine and Ottonian illumination. Vivid colors and the application of the finest gold lend expressiveness to the images. The scenes, which are sung during the Easter service, are illustrated with impressive simplicity. One of the most important festivals of the Christian church was appropriately honored in this precious document.