Medieval art à la carte: "Protecting the Word"

Medieval art à la carte is a column of sorts I occasionally write for my dear friend Jenn's medieval blog Per Omnia Saecula. They're re-posted here in case you're interested!

Today's exhibit focus is on the Morgan Library in New York, and their show "Protecting the Word: Bookbindings of the Morgan," on now through March 29th. Though the show includes the Morgan's entire collection of bookbindings, including nineteenth and twentieth century examples as well as an English Restoration-era Roger Bartlett mosaic binding, the real superstars are the medieval jeweled covers of the Lindau Gospels.

According to the Morgan's website, the Lindau Gospels were acquired in 1901, and are today one of the most famous examples of Carolingian manuscripts in the world. The inside of the manuscript is gorgeous, decorated in brilliant jewel tones and gold-leafed letters (almost all of the Morgan's manuscripts are digitized on their website, you can go page through it if you'd like!).

The covers, though, are the showstoppers. It is unknown if the covers were intended specifically for the Lindau Gospel manuscript, and it is thought that the lower cover is somewhat earlier and from a different workshop than the upper cover. The use of champlevé enamel technique and more delicate, insular-style knotwork seem to indicate a different style and different region than the upper cover, though still a quite spectacular display of technique.

The upper cover is attributed to the court school of Charles the Bald, the grandson of Charlemagne, and who notably and actively tried to cultivate his grandfather's authority through artistic means. Charles the Bald is known for having used such forms as the equestrian statue, Roman and classical spolia, and richly detailed metalwork to reference both classical power and the esteem of Charlemagne's reign. This cover is an especially striking example of the skill of Carolingian metalworkers, whose repouseé work was unparalleled in the 9th century medieval world. It is encrusted with semiprecious stones and features a Crucifixion scene with several mourners, all excuted in gold repouseé.

The Lindau Gospels and their covers are part of the Morgan's permanent collection and are usually on display somewhere in the library, but if you're in or near New York, this show is a must-see. (more information on the Morgan's website, here)