Magdeburg Ivories 962 968 What scripture is to

Magdeburg Ivories 962 -968 What scripture is to the educated, images are to the ignorant. –Pope Gregory • For the decoration of the Magdeburg Cathedral, Otto the Great had a group of ivory plaques made in Milan. • They were all once part of the same object - either an antependium, a bishop's throne, or a pulpit - that Otto donated for the newly built cathedral. • It is likely that the occasion of the donation was the raising of Magdeburg to an archbishopric in 968. • They are wonderful to look at, because they are intended to instruct, report, and remind the viewer of key events or lessons from the New Testament. • These ivories are also used by Otto the Great as a way to authorize his power as Christ’s secular representative.

Otto I Presenting Magdeburg Cathedral to Christ from Magdeburg Ivories 962 -968

Peter Find the Tribute Money in a Fish from Magdeburg Ivories 962 -968 This image is often read by rulers as a biblical justification for taxing the citizenery.

Raising of Lazarus from Magdeburg Ivories 962 -968

The Resurrection of the Youth from Naim from Magdeburg Ivories 962 -968

Healing of the Man Possessed by Demons from Magdeburg Ivories 962 -968

Multiplication of the Loaves from Magdeburg Ivories 962 -968

Christ Among the Apostles with Doubting Thomas from Magdeburg Ivories 962 -968 John 20: 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe. "

Christ with the Apostles and a Child from Magdeburg Ivories 962 -968 Matthew 19: 14: Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. "