What's Happening?
A rare gospel manuscript, written by a community of women in the early 10th century, is set to be auctioned at Christie's in London on December 10. The manuscript, linked to the abbey of Essen, is expected to attract bids between £700,000 and £1 million
($880,000 and $1.3 million). This gospel is notable for being one of the few Latin manuscripts from the 10th century or earlier to appear at auction, and it may be the first time a bible associated with a female scriptorium has been auctioned. The manuscript was crafted in Carolingian minuscule, a script standardized by Charlemagne, and was likely created by at least two scribes. The gospel's female authorship is suggested by prayers within the text, which call for the veiling of handmaidens of God, a phrase used by medieval women who took religious vows.
Why It's Important?
The auction of this gospel manuscript highlights the significant yet often overlooked contributions of medieval women to cultural and intellectual history. The abbey of Essen, where the manuscript originated, was a center of learning under Ottonian rule, challenging the traditional view of male-dominated medieval scriptoria. This event underscores the evolving understanding of women's roles in historical cultural productivity, offering new insights into the intellectual and literary spheres of medieval Europe. The sale also reflects the growing interest in rare historical texts, as evidenced by previous high-profile auctions of ancient religious manuscripts.
What's Next?
The auction will take place in London, with the gospel and other notable items on display prior to the sale. Proceeds from the auction will support the Royal Society of Medicine's future initiatives. The event may prompt further scholarly interest in the contributions of women to medieval scriptoria, potentially leading to more discoveries and reevaluations of historical texts. Additionally, the auction could influence the market for rare manuscripts, setting new benchmarks for the value of culturally significant texts.
Beyond the Headlines
The auction of the Essen gospel is part of a broader academic movement that challenges the conventional narrative of medieval scriptoria being exclusively male domains. This shift in understanding may lead to a reevaluation of historical gender roles and the recognition of women's contributions to cultural and intellectual history. The sale also highlights the importance of preserving and studying historical texts to gain a deeper understanding of past societies and their complexities.
