Anonymous: The Egmond Gospels, folio 214v and 215r (9th-10th century)

(National Library of the Netherlands, The Hague, The Netherlands)

An illuminated page made by an unknown Dutch or Flemish artist(s). This page comes from what now is known as the 'Egmond Gospels' (in Dutch 'Evangeliarium van Egmond). The book itself is a Christian manuscript containing the four gospels of the New Testament (of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). The original part was made in the city of Reims in A.D. 850-875, who commissioned it is unknown. Later 8 pages were added to the book at the end of the 9th century. At the 10th century the book came into the possession of count Dirk II of Holland (reign A.D. 928/944-988). Count Dirk II of Holland (or West Frisia as it was known in that time) replaced the wooded church of Egmond with a stone one and gave the book to the new abby of Egmond. This scene is shown on the left page - this is the oldest picture of Dutch people and a Dutch building. Count Dirk II and his wife Hildegarde are shown in the abby of Egmond, placing the book on the altar of the church. The text at the top explains "Hoc textum dedit almo patri Teodricus habendum, Necne sibi coniuncta simul Hildgardis amore, Altberto quorum memor ut sit iure per evum" (This book was given by Dirk and his wife Hildegard to the merciful father Adalbert (Saint Adalbert of Egmond, the patron saint of the Abby who is also buried there) so that he will think of them in eternity.). On the right page is another depicting of count Dirk and his wife Hildegarde . This time the count is kneeling while his wife is lying in proskynesis before saint Adalbert who pleads on their behalf to a Christ in Majesty. The text on this page explains "Summe Deus rogito miserans conserva benigne, hos tibi quo iugitur formulari digne laborent" (Most exalted Lord, I emphatically beg you with benevolence to watch over the well-being of these people who have made so much effort to serve you in a dignified manner). These two pages were added to the Egmond Gospels in a later stage by unknown Flemish or Dutch artists. Illuminated page from the 10th century.