36 Chapter 9.6: Ottonian Art
OTTONIAN ART
The Carolingian Empire dissolved after it was divided among Charlemagne’s grandsons. In the mid-10th century in the eastern part of the Carolingian empire a new Saxon dynasty formed known as the Ottonian. Never as large as the Carolingian empire, the Ottonian dynasty encompassed German speaking lands and northern Italy. The Ottonian leaders imitated the Carolingian empire and the connections they made to the Christian Roman emperors, Constantine and Justinian.
Ottonian Art TASK:
The videos below survey some of the most significant monuments created in the Ottonian period. While some of the same monuments are shown, the level of detail about them is different in each video. After watching the videos, please answer the accompanying questions.
The Early Middle Ages: The Ottonian Period
Ottonian Art: Bishop Bernward
Ottonian Art TASK prompts:
How did Otto try to revive the Carolingian empire?
What are the defining features of the Ottonian basilica?
What are the features of Saint Michael’s Hildesheim?
What is the significance of Bishop Bernward?
Which Roman monuments inspired the bronze doors at Saint Michael’s and the Column with reliefs at St. Michael’s?
What is prefiguration and how is manifest on the bronze doors at Saint Michael’s?
Which images inspired the representation of Otto III Enthroned?
