The illuminated manuscripts of Charlemagne's Court School

The illuminated manuscripts of the Court School of Charlemagne are amongst the preeminent highlights of medieval culture. The most important artists and scholars of the epoch gathered at Charlemagne's court and created there a "Centre d'excellence" of international standing and farreaching influence. The magnificently illuminated codices draw upon examples of Roman, Byzantine and Insular art. Simultaneously, these led to the development of a new style characterized by great creativity and efficacy. At the time of their creation, and to this day, these illuminated manuscripts of the Court School represent a shining pillar casting a bright light on the ideal of the political and cultural unity of the Carolingian empire. As imperial gifts, they were given to high-ranking dignitaries and important medieval cultural centres, such as Tours, Trier, Lorsch, Centula and Soissons. Thus, the work of the Court School had a formative influence on the entire epoch and cultural space.