Manuscript illumination in Ottonian and early Salian St Gall: iconography, liturgy and devotion

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the Abbey of St Gall, Switzerland, produced some of medieval Europe's most elaborate illuminated manuscripts during the overlooked Ottonian and early Salian periods (c. 975-1075), featuring complex iconographies and innovative liturgical scenes. The study highlights the Hartker Antiphonary as the oldest fully illustrated antiphonary, showcasing intricate devotional inscriptions that offer unprecedented insights into 11th-century perceptions of liturgy. Through meticulous examination of three key manuscripts—the Hartker Antiphonary, the Sigebert Sacramentary, and four Eucharistic texts—researchers uncovered how these works reflected both monastic practices and external patronage, while incorporating exegetical readings from the abbey's library. The findings bridge a historical gap by linking manuscript production to contemporary liturgical symbolism and Carolingian scholarship, providing a nuanced understanding of this period's cultural and religious landscape.

Viejo, R. (2020). Manuscript illumination in Ottonian and early Salian St Gall: iconography, liturgy and devotion. The University of Edinburgh. https://doi.org/10.7488/ERA/210