Ottonian art: c. 950 – 1024

Otto I (who became emperor in 962) lends his name to the “Ottonian” period. He forged an important alliance with the Pope, which allowed him to be crowned the first official Holy Roman Emperor since 924.

Detail, Otto I presenting the Cathedral of Magdeburg, 962–968, Ottonian, from the Cathedral of Magdeburg, probably made in Milan, northern Italy (The Metropolitan Museum of Art). On this ivory, Otto presents a symbolic model of the church to Christ for his blessing. As a humble servant, Otto is depicted smaller than the company of patron saints. — Otto I was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 962. He lent his name to two successors—and left a rich artistic legacy.

Ottonian art, an introduction

The trial of Christ. Detail of Bernward's Door (Bernwardstüren) in Hildesheim Cathedral. The door was commissioned by Abbot Bernward in 1015 for St. Michael's Church in Hildesheim. It depicts eight scenes from the Old Testament on the left (from top to bottom) and eight scenes from the New Testament on the right (from bottom to top). — These monumental medieval doors look back to ancient models. Read the biblical narrative down and up, or left to right.

Bronze doors, Saint Michael’s, Hildesheim (Germany)

Ruler portrait of Otto III (f.24), Gospels of Otto III (Munich, Bayerische Stattsbibliothek, Clm.4453) — This manuscript is over a thousand years old. Among its magnificent paintings, Otto III sits on his throne.

Gospel Book of Otto III