Rich Bernward Gospels

It was a donation of Bernward, Bishop of Hildesheim, to his foundation St. Michael's, specifically for the altar to Mary in the crypt below the west choir, which was consecrated in 1015 and which he had designated as his tomb.

[2] The gospels consist of 232 parchment leaves of 28 x 20 cm and a cover made from two oak blocks, which is decorated with images, silver mountings and gems.

[3] The gospels particularly deserve the sobriquet "Rich" (kostbar) on account of their binding, which was already intricate when Bernward had it produced and received further decoration at the time of his canonisation in the twelfth century.

In the centre of the front cover there is a Byzantine ivory icon with a relief depicting Christ between Mary and John the Baptist, who are interceding on behalf of the souls of the world (see deesis).

She sits at the right hand side, facing the viewer, and is being crowned as Nikopoia by angels, while she holds her son, depicted as a small adult, in her lap.