Gem of Medieval Ottonian Manuscript Illumination

This superlative facsimile of the Hitda Codex, a masterpiece of manuscript production from Cologne during the Ottonian era, replicates an exquisite Christian Gospel book with twenty-two full-page miniatures rich in detail and painterly drama. The original manuscript was produced around 1000-20 and its extensive series of images of the life of Christ paired with monumental full-page framed inscriptions is unique in the history of manuscript art.

Commissioned by Abbess Hitda for her convent at Meschede and dedicated to Saint Walburga, this codex stands out for its depictions of women in relationship to the divine. Among these are many images of Virgin Mary, as one might expect, especially in the nativity and infancy scenes. But less familiar women—Saint Peter’s mother-in-law, a widow whose son Christ raises from the dead, and a woman accused of adultery—play roles in the miracle scenes.