This Gospel Lectionary from the eleventh century was written in clear Carolingian minuscule in Regensburg, Germany. Its original treasure binding is very fragile because the spine is made from delicate Byzantine or Islamic silk, so it is not possible to photograph the whole manuscript. Only the cover has been photographed, and it is a rare and rich example of Ottonian art. The front cover is bound in silver and shows impressive filigree work, with some parts gilded. It features a mix of textures and materials, such as niello bosses in the corners, ivory plaques of the four Evangelists, gemstones that are now missing, and a golden image of the Crucifixion under a polished rock crystal. This gives the cover a level of luxury rarely seen in medieval bookbinding. The back cover is flat so it could rest on the altar without harming the decoration. It is made from hammered and gilded silver and engraved with St. Michael slaying a dragon. This image was once linked to the abbey of SS. Peter and Michael in Mondsee, Austria, but more recent research credits Othlon, a scribe from Regensburg, making it more likely to be of German origin.
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