Binding Plate: The Crowning of Otto II and Theophano

The Crowning of 
Otto II and Theophano
German Empire, 982-983
Elephant Ivory, traces of polychromy
H. 0.18 m; W. 0.10 m
Du Sommerard Fund
Cl. 392

This immensely famous ivory has often been studied. Under a dais supported by columns, Christ crowns Otto II and Theophano. The imperial couple is identified by greek inscriptions engraved on the plaque's background. The personage at the emperor's feet, bowing before Christ, is most likely the donor. His prayer is engraved in Greek letters. The plaque's style is clearly marked by Byzantine art, to the point where it seems probable that it was carved by a Byzantine artist working in the West. At any rate, few artefacts reveal with such eloquence the links uniting Byzantium and the West at the end of the 10th century. This plaque was the cover of a precious book.