Seeon Evangeliary

95) The parchment manuscript donated by Henry II to Bamberg Cathedral has 124 pages measuring 24.5 x 17.6 cm and contains the gospel sections associated with the Holy Mass (the pericope).

As in the Seeon Pontifical, in the rites celebrating the Kermesse the name of Mary is highlighted through the use of capital letters along with the patrons of the cathedral: Saint Peter and George.

Arches supported by columns form a well structured frame, enclosed by purple background flecked with gold.

Figures of equal size seem to float with the archway on a gold ground, which is a stylistic feature typical of Ottonian illumination.

The silk cover is unusual: cloth was frequently part of sumptuous book bindings, but was rarely used on its own.