Gospel Book (MS M.728)

Among the largest cities in Roman Gaul, Reims was also a center of artistic renewal in the Carolingian empire. This efflorescence was fostered by enterprising archbishops like Hincmar of Reims (806–882), who renovated several important monasteries in his domain, including Saint-Remi just outside the city walls. Preserving the relics of St. Remigius, who baptized King Clovis and converted the Franks to Christianity, the monastery laid claim to a fundamental moment in Frankish history. Likely commissioned by Hincmar for Saint-Remi’s rededication, this manuscript—among the largest produced at Reims—was written entirely in gold ink. Its evangelist portraits are deeply classicizing, a reference to the city's ancient past.