(active around 1020)

Gospel Book of Henry II c. 1020 Illumination Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Rome

The composition of this picture is similar to the representation of Christ in Majesty. However, it is the image of Henry II that sits enthroned in the mandorla instead of Christ, or God the Father. The dove of the Holy Ghost is seen hovering above his head, and the three-quarter medallions at the sides and the rectangular spaces in the margin show the Virtues, alluded to by means of human gestures. A scene of judgment is seen taking place beneath the image of the emperor. The message of this miniature: as he passes judgment, the emperor, inspired by God (the dove), is represented as the personification of the Virtues.

--- Keywords: --------------

Author: MINIATURIST, German Title: Gospel Book of Henry II Time-line: 1001-1050 School: German Form: illumination