Lindau Gospels Vs Epternach Essay

Two of the most important medieval manuscripts in history come from the same kingdom, however, there are distinct and notable differences between the two. The Lindau Gospels (c. 870) and the Codex Aureus Epternach (c. 985-987) are two pre-Romanesque illuminated manuscripts. The front covers of both manuscripts have been named some of the most important medieval illuminated manuscripts (Morgan Library, Metz). They are both centered on Christ crucified on a jeweled cross surrounded by mourning figures in gold repoussé reliefs. Although both the cover of The Lindau Gospels and the upper cover of the Codex Aureus Epternach feature a crucifixion scene, large embedded gems, and gold repoussé reliefs, they differ greatly when it comes to the language of the book, who it was dedicated to and written for, and who is on the cover. The Lindau Gospels were a product of the
The Codex Aureus Epternach was written in the vulgate, or German, and not the standard Latin. Latin was really the only accepted language for use in the Catholic Church until the 20th century (Donovan), so it's likely that the Codex Aureus Epternach was not used for a church or study at an abbey at all.
The Lindau Gospels and Codex Aureus Epternach are probably in two different languages because they were being used for different purposes.
The Lindau Gospels were commissioned by Charles the Bald, Charlemagne's grandson, to be used in a Monastery, most likely (Lasko). Before the making of the Lindau Gospels, scripture was written in an "unsightly" form of Latin, with no spaces between words and in all capitals, which made it difficult to read and study. However, when Charles commissioned the Lindau Gospels, he had the scribes write in a new format of Latin, one with spaces between words and punctuation. This became the standard for Latin writing. The book is written in standard Latin; it was used for study at Charles the Bald's court