Das Evangeliar der Äbtissin Hitda – An Ottonian Illuminated Gospel Manuscript from Cologne

Das Evangeliar der Äbtissin Hitda – An Ottonian Illuminated Gospel Manuscript from Cologne

Das Evangeliar der Äbtissin Hitda is a monumental Ottonian illuminated gospel manuscript created in Cologne around the beginning of the 11th century for the convent of Saint Walburga in Meschede. Commonly known as the Hitda Codex, it ranks among the most outstanding achievements of Cologne’s Ottonian book illumination, combining rich Gospel cycles with deep theological and iconographic expression.

The codex is renowned for its fullpage illuminations depicting scenes from the life of Christ, including the iconic Calming of the Storm on the Sea of Galilee. Its artwork is distinguished by its vibrant palette — especially striking blues, purples, and oranges — and a visual expressiveness that exemplifies the pinnacle of early medieval painting. This expertly edited volume by Christoph Winterer presents all of the manuscript’s miniatures, decorative pages, and illuminated elements from Handschrift 1640 held at the University and State Library Darmstadt, accompanied by extensive scholarly introduction and commentary on the manuscript’s visual program, liturgical function, and artistic significance. This work is an essential resource for collectors of illuminated manuscripts, art historians, and enthusiasts of Christian iconography seeking a deeper understanding of the aesthetic, cultural, and spiritual context of Ottonian visual art.

Format and content: 128 pages with numerous fullcolor illustrations.

Publisher: Primus / WBG (Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft).

Language: German.