The coronation of Otto II and Theophano

Probably used as a binding plate from its inception, this ivory bas-relief depicts Emperor Otto II and his Greek wife Theophano being crowned by Christ under a canopy. It follows a distinctly Byzantine model. Indeed, Otto and Theophano are depicted in Byzantine imperial attire, wearing layered embroidered garments falling straight, and crowns adorned with pendaloque drop gemstones.

Their crowning by Christ draws on a traditional image from the Byzantine world intended to sanctify imperial power. The brief reign of Otto II from 982 to 983 enables a precise date to be given for this work. The patron bowed low at the feet of Otto and Christ would have been Archbishop John of Plaisance, who was familiar with the court and from Southern Italy, which was very hellenised at the end of the 10th century.

Work dated around 982-983. From the De Sommerard collection.