Editing Pericopes of Henry II (section)

== Cover ==
A number of [[ivory]] plaques depicting the [[Crucifixion of Jesus|Crucifixion]] were created during the [[Carolingian Empire|Carolingian]] period. One such ivory plaque was set in a border for the book cover of the “Pericopes of Henry II”.[https://daten.digitale-sammlungen.de/~db/0008/bsb00087481/images/index.html?seite=00001&l=de&viewmode=1] The plaque measures 11 by 5 inches and was made in Germany around the year 870, but was inserted into the cover of “Pericopes of Henry II” in the eleventh century. It serves as an example of how older objects were transformed and incorporated into later Carolingian designs. Ancient [[Roman Empire|Roman]] [[personification]]s set the scene and designate the time despite the Christian content.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Stokstad |first=Marilyn |title=Medieval Art |publisher=Westview Press |year=2004 |edition=2nd |location=Colorado |pages=118–119}}</ref> The plaque is one of several crucifixion-themed works which are often assigned to Charles' Court School in [[Metz]], but there is not an identified artist.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Chazelle |first=Celia M. |title=The Crucified God in the Carolingian Era: Theology and Art of Christ's Passion |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2007 |location=Cambridge |pages=240}}</ref> Around 1014, a frame was made for the plaque to rest in. It is made out of enamels, gold, pearls, and gems showing the book cover’s high value.<ref name=":0" />

In the upper section, above the arms of the cross, there are traditional personifications of the sun, moon, and God's hand motioning from a cloud bank. Three angels are stationed over the head of Christ. Under the arms of the cross, Ecclesia is seen with her chalice and standard, [[Longinus]] and [[Stephaton]] on either side of Christ, a group of grieving women, John, and ambiguous figures to the right. A dead snake is wrapped around the base of the cross and below the crucifixion is a representation of the Marys at the tomb.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Ferber |first=Stanley |title=Crucifixion Iconography in a Group of Carolingian Ivory Plaques |year=1966 |pages=323–324}}</ref> A representation of the dead arising from their graves is visible below, separated by a projection that resembles a shelf. [[Oceanus]] and Terra are also shown on the plaque's lower edge on either side of a seated woman.<ref name=":1" /> The figures depicted closely resemble those in the [[Utrecht Psalter]] with their rippling, shape-defining clothing, protruding heads, and aggressive motions.<ref name=":0" /> The Four [[Four Evangelists|Evangelists]] are represented in the corners of the frame and Christ and the [[Apostles in the New Testament|Twelve Apostles]] are seen along the border, with Christ in the center along the top edge.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Gospel Book of St Henry II (Part 1) |url=https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2022/09/the-gospel-book-of-st-henry-ii-part-1.html |access-date=2023-05-17}}</ref> The details shown in the plaque and frame indeed give a sense of Christianity and the Carolingian age, which helped to influence the style and ways of interpreting these stories in other art pieces.