A History of the World in 100 Objects
Lothair Crystal
Jun 16, 2010
Explore life in medieval royal courts from Tang China to the Maya in Mesoamerica. The Lothair Crystal, an engraved rock crystal, tells the biblical story of Susanna and depicts royal intrigue. Learn about the court of King Lothair and the role of justice portrayed in this exquisite work of art.
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Quick takeaways
- The Lothair Crystal, an engraved rock crystal from the ninth century, represents the intersection of power and personal life during the reign of King Lothar of the Franks.
- The crystal serves as a masterpiece of miniature carving and a public declaration of justice's central role in the state, highlighting the duty of the king to secure the rule of law, even at a personal cost.
Deep dives
The Susanna Crystal: A Symbol of Justice and Power
The Susanna Crystal, an engraved rock crystal, offers insights into the intersection of power and personal life during the reign of King Lothar of the Franks. The crystal depicts the biblical story of Susanna and the Elders, showcasing the brilliant intervention of the prophet Daniel to uncover the truth and protect innocence. The crystal is a masterpiece of miniature carving and represents the Carolingian Renaissance, a period of artistic flourishing in Charlemagne's empire. Its creation may have been a private statement of truce in Lothar's marital conflicts, but it also serves as a public declaration of justice's central role in the state. The crystal demonstrates the duty of the king to secure the rule of law, even at a personal cost.
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