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The Vienna Genesis And The Evolution Of Christian Book Illumination, Samantha Castro

BYZANTIUM: Trade, Treasure, Tradition

In this essay, I argue that the Vienna Genesis influenced future Christian manuscripts by pushing the idea that higher status and holiness were linked. The Vienna Genesis' expensive creation and classically-influenced illustrations, which were seen by some as conspicuous, would be imitated by the Paris Psalter, only differentiating in the subject matter. The Melisende Psalter would take a turn in its style, mimicking Byzantine icons rather than classical works, but it continued the high-cost production and ruler-appealing narrative of King David. And unlike the other two, the Melisende Psalter cements the initial bias, with signs hinting at possible royal/imperial ownership.