Dark Mirror: The Medieval Origins of Anti-Jewish Iconography

391 Pages·2014·11.89 MB·English

by  Sara Lipton

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To Mike Davis, a stirring correspondent and cherished friend, whose enthusiasm
for things medieval—even (or especially) dark ones—is the reason this book
exists.
CONTENTS
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Illustrations
Epigraph
CHAPTERS
INTRODUCTION
In a Mirror, Darkly
CHAPTER ONE
Mirror of the Fathers:
The Birth of a Jewish Iconography, ca. 1015–1100
CHAPTER TWO
Blinding Light and Blinkered Witness, ca. 1100–1160
CHAPTER THREE
Jewish Eyes:
Loveless Looking and the Unlovely Christ, ca. 1160–1220
CHAPTER FOUR
All the World a Picture:
Jews and the Mirror of Society, ca. 1220–1300
CHAPTER FIVE
The Jew’s Face:
Flesh, Sight, and Sovereignty, ca. 1230–1350
CHAPTER SIX
Where Are the Jewish Women?
CHAPTER SEVEN
The Jew in the Crowd:
Surveillance and Civic Vision, ca. 1350–1500
Conclusion
Abbreviations
Acknowledgments
Index
About the Author
Copyright
ILLUSTRATIONS
Full-color, high-resolution versions of the images can be found at www.saralipton.com.
INTRODUCTION: IN A MIRROR, DARKLY
1. Unidentifiable early medieval Jews: Moses gives the law to the people of Israel. Moutiers-Grandval
Bible, Tours, ca. 840. London, British Library Add. ms. 10546, fol. 25v. (Photo: © The British Library
Board)
2. A hideous late medieval Jew: A Jew crucifies and stabs young Adam of Bristol. Narratio Legendaria,
England, ca. 1320. London, BL ms. Harley 957, fol. 22. (Photo: © The British Library Board)
. 1015–1100
CHAPTER ONE: MIRROR OF THE FATHERS: THE BIRTH OF A JEWISH ICONOGRAPHY, CA
1. The Jewish hat as identifying sign: Jewish elders look on and argue as Saint Matthew writes his gospel
above them. The Moscow Gospels, Saxony, ca. 1180. Moscow, Russian State Archives of Old Acts
Fonds 1607, Inv. 1, no. 23, fol. 1; formerly Dresden ms. A 94. (Photo: Russian State Archives)
2. The Prophet Abdias. Stavelot Bible, Belgium, 1097. London, BL Add. ms. 28106, fol. 221. (Photo: ©
The British Library Board)
3. The Prophet Sophonias. Lobbes Bible, Belgium, 1084. Tournai, Bibliothèque du seminaire diocésain
ms. 1, fol. 270. (Photo: © KIK-IRPA, Brussels)
4. Saint John the Baptist preaching to Judean Elders. Second Gospel Book of Bernward, Hildesheim, ca.
1015. Dommuseum Hildesheim ms. 18, fol. 75. (Photo: Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, Munich)
5. The Last Supper and Judas’s Betrayal. Second Gospel Book of Bernward, Hildesheim, ca. 1015.
Dommuseum Hildesheim ms. 18, fol. 118. (Photo: Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, Munich)
6. The Three Magi. Second Gospel Book of Bernward, Hildesheim, ca. 1015. Dommuseum Hildesheim,
ms. 18, fol. 18. (Photo: Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, Munich)
7. King Cepheus in a Phrygian cap, from the Constellation Cepheus. Aratea, Aachen (?), ca. 816. Leiden,
Bibliotheek der Rijksuniversiteit ms. Voss Latin Q 79, fol. 26v. (Photo: Bibliotheek der
Rijksuniversiteit)
8. Personifications of the Slavs, Germans, Gauls, and Romans pay tribute to Emperor Otto III. Evangeliary
of Otto III, Reichenau, ca. 1000. Munich, Bayerische Staatsbibliothek clm 4453, fol. 23v. (Photo:
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, Munich)
9. An early rendering of a dying Christ. Bernward Crucifix, Hildesheim, ca. 1007–1022. Dommuseum
Hildesheim, DS 6. (Photo: Frank Tomio)
10. The Glory of the Son. Second Gospel Book of Bernward, Hildesheim, ca. 1015. Dommuseum
Hildesheim ms. 18, fol. 174. (Photo: Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, Munich)
11. Crucifixion with Ecclesia and Synagoga. Ivory plaque, Metz, ninth century. London, Victoria and Albert
Museum, Inv. 250-1867. (Photo: V & A Images/The Victoria and Albert Museum, London)
12. Crucifixion with Sun, Ecclesia, and Life; and Moon, Synagoga, and Death. Uta Codex, Regensburg, ca.
1022. Munich, Bayerische Staatsbibliotek clm 13601, fol. 3v. (Photo: Bayerische Staatsbibliothek,
Munich)
13. Princes of the priests and elders of the people. Reichenau Evangelistary, Reichenau, ca. 1056. Berlin,
Kupferstichkabinett ms. 78 A 2, fol. 26v. (Photo: Berlin/Kupferstichkabinett, Staatliche Museen/Volker-
H. Schneider/Art Resource, New York)
. 1100–1160
CHAPTER TWO: BLINDING LIGHT AND BLINKERED WITNESS, CA
1. Scroll-bearing bearded prophets. West façade central portal, Verona Cathedral, ca. 1139. (Photo:
Scala/Art Resource, New York)
2. The prophet Hosea. South nave window, Augsburg Cathedral, after 1138. (Photo: SLUB
Dresden/Deutsche Fotothek)
3. Synagoga unveiled (Jesse tree). Lambeth Palace Bible, London, ca. 1140. London, Lambeth Palace ms.
3, fol. 198. (Photo: The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Trustees of Lambeth Palace Library)
4. Eilbertus portable altar. Cologne, ca. 1130–50. Welfenschatz, Kunstgewerbemuseum, Staatliche
Museen, Berlin, W11. (Photo: RMN-Grand Palais/Art Resource, New York)
5. Hebrew prophets and kings. Side detail, Eilbertus portable altar. Cologne, ca. 1130–50. Welfenschatz,
Kunstgewerbemuseum, Staatliche Museen, Berlin, W11. (Photo: Berlin/Kunstgewerbemuseum,
Staatliche Museen/Art Resource, New York)
6. The Road to Emmaus. Winchester Psalter, England, ca. 1121–60. London, BL ms. Cotton Nero C iv, fol.
25. (Photo: © The British Library Board)
7. Supper at Emmaus. Winchester Psalter, England, ca. 1121–60. London, BL ms. Cotton Nero C iv, fol.
26. (Photo: © The British Library Board)
8. Heribert shrine. Cologne, ca. 1150–60. Church of Saint Heribert, Deutz-Cologne. (Photo: Berlin/
Church of Saint Heribert/Hermann Buresch/Art Resource, New York)
9. A Jew and a midwife testify to Heribert’s miraculous birth. Detail, Heribert shrine. Cologne, ca. 1150–
60. Church of Saint Heribert, Deutz-Cologne. (Photo: Berlin/Church of Saint Heribert/Hermann
Buresch/Art Resource, New York)
10. Stavelot Triptych. Belgium, ca. 1155. New York, Pierpont Morgan Library. Purchased by Pierpont
Morgan, 1910; AZ001. (Photo: Pierpont Morgan Library, New York)
11. Empress Helena compels Judas to reveal the site of the True Cross. Detail, Stavelot Triptych. Belgium,
ca. 1155. New York, Pierpont Morgan Library. Purchased by Pierpont Morgan, 1910; AZ001. (Photo:
Pierpont Morgan Library, New York)
12. Moses raises the Brazen Serpent. Stained glass roundel, choir, Paris, Basilica of Saint-Denis, ca. 1144–
45. (Photo: Anne-Marie Boucher)
1160–1220
CHAPTER THREE: JEWISH EYES: LOVELESS LOOKING AND THE UNLOVELY CHRIST, CA.
1. Christ in Majesty. Apse fresco, Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Reichenau-Niederzell, ca. 1120.
(Photo: Erich Lessing)
2. A Jew mocks and slaps the cross-bearing Christ. Balfour ciborium, England, ca. 1150–75. London,
Victoria and Albert Museum, Inv. M.1:1, 2-1981. (Photo: V & A Images/The Victoria and Albert
Museum, London)
3. The crucifixion and brazen serpent. Initial to Psalm 68, Peter Lombard, Commentary on Psalms, Paris
(?), 1166. Bremen, Staats-und Universitätsbibliothek ms. a. 244, fol. 113v. (Photo: Staats-und
Universitätsbibliothek, Bremen)
4. Christ nailed to the cross. Reliquary casket, Westphalia-North Rhine, ca. 1170. Paris, Louvre, OA 8096.
(Photo: Réunion des Musées Nationaux/Art Resource, New York)
5. Temptation of Christ. Stained glass panel, Champagne, ca. 1170–80. London, Victoria and Albert
Museum, Inv. C.107-1919. (Photo: V & A Images/The Victoria and Albert Museum, London)
6. The Maccabees fight the Syrians. Bible of Bishop Hugh le Puiset, England, ca. 1153–75. Durham Dean
and Chapter Library ms. A.II.1, vol. 3, fol. 131v. (Photo: Dean and Chapter, Durham Cathedral)
7. Presentation of Christ. Gospel of Henry the Lion, Helmarshausen, ca. 1185–1188. Wolfenbüttel, Herzog
August Bibliothek cod. Guelph 105, noviss., fol. 111. (Photo: Herzog August Bibliothek)
8. Grieving men, one with veiled hand. Illumination to Psalm 6. Great Canterbury Psalter, England, ca.
1180–90. Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale ms. lat. 8846, fol. 11v. (Photo: Bibliothèque Nationale)
9. Crucifix. Austria, late twelfth century. Museum of Melk Abbey. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, User
Uoaei1)
10. Crucifixion. Canon of the Mass, Stammheim Missal, Hildesheim, ca. 1170–75. Los Angeles, J. Paul
Getty Museum ms. 64, fol. 86. (Photo: Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles)
11. Pharisees confront Jesus. Great Canterbury Psalter, England, ca. 1180–90. Paris, Bibiothèque Nationale
ms. lat. 8846, fol. 3v. (Photo: Bibliothèque Nationale)
12. Saint Paul disputing with Jews and Greeks. England, ca. 1170–80. London, Victoria and Albert
Museum, Inv. 223-1874. (Photo: V & A Images/The Victoria and Albert Museum, London)
13. Ham mocks his drunken father. Orosius, Historiarum Adversum Paganos Libri Septem, Zwiefalten
Abbey, Weingarten, ca. 1160–80. Stuttgart, Württembergische Landesbibliothek HB 410, V, fol. 1v.
(Photo: Württembergische Landesbibliothek, Stuttgart)
14. Jews attempt to stone Christ. Canon tables, leaf from Gospel manuscript, Belgium, ca. 1170–75.
Brussels, Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique, Inv. V.2912bis. (Photo: © KIK-IRPA, Brussels)
1220–1300
CHAPTER FOUR: ALL THE WORLD A PICTURE: JEWS AND THE MIRROR OF SOCIETY, CA.
1. Jews invite university students to turn to heresy and worship a cat. Commentary to III Kings 11:1–9,
Bible moralisée, Paris, ca. 1220–25. Vienna ÖNB cod. 2554, fol. 50vd. (Photo: Österreichische
Nationalbibliothek, Vienna)
2. Royal Portal, West façade, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1145. (Photo: © Painton Cowan)
3. Prophet with cap. Detail, Royal Portal, West façade, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1145. (Photo: © Painton
Cowan)
4. Peering Hebrew elders. Lintel, north door, Royal Portal, West façade, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1145.
(Photo: © Painton Cowan)
5. The Prophet Amos with hat and scroll. North rose window, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1235. (Photo: ©
Painton Cowan)
6. The Prophet Samuel. North porch central portal, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1215–30. (Photo: © Painton
Cowan)
7. The Prophet Ezechiel carrying John the Evangelist. South transept lancet, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1221–
30. (Photo: © Painton Cowan)
8. Job on the dunghill tormented by demons and lectured by three friends. North transept right portal
tympanum, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1194–1230. (Photo: © Painton Cowan)
9. Judgment of Solomon. North transept right portal lintel, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1194–1230. (Photo: ©
Painton Cowan)
10. Joseph cast into the well and sold to slavers. Joseph window, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1205–15. (Photo:
© Painton Cowan)
11. The Prodigal Son asks for his inheritance. Prodigal Son window, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1205–15.
(Photo: © Painton Cowan)
12. The father of the Prodigal Son gives him coins and a cup. Prodigal Son window, Chartres Cathedral, ca.
1205–15. (Photo: © Painton Cowan)
13. The Prodigal Son with a courtesan and serving boy. Prodigal Son window, Chartres Cathedral, ca.
1205–15. (Photo: © Painton Cowan)
14. The Prodigal Son asks a landowner for work. Prodigal Son window, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1205–15.
(Photo: © Painton Cowan)
15. The brother of the Prodigal Son protests to his father. Prodigal Son window, Chartres Cathedral, ca.
1205–15. (Photo: © Painton Cowan)
16. The killing of the fatted calf. Prodigal Son window, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1205–15. (Photo: © Painton
Cowan)
17. Synagoga blindfolded by a snake. Symbolic Redemption (or Passion Typological) window, Chartres
Cathedral, ca. 1205–15. (Photo: © Painton Cowan)
18. Jewish doctors of the law debate Saint Stephen. Saint Stephen window, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1220–
25. (Photo: © Painton Cowan)
19. Pagan magicians debate Saints Simon and Jude. Saints Simon and Jude window, Chartres Cathedral, ca.
1220–25. (Photo: © Painton Cowan)
20. Hermogenes sends a messenger to Saint James. Saint James the Greater window, Chartres Cathedral, ca.
1210–25. (Photo: © Painton Cowan)
21. Constantine orders sacrifices to an idol. Saint Sylvester window, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1210–25.
(Photo: © Painton Cowan)
22. A Jewish moneylender. Saint Nicholas pedagogical window, Bay 14, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1215–25.
(Photo: © Painton Cowan)
23. The Christian borrower swears a false oath. Saint Nicholas pedagogical window, Bay 14, Chartres
Cathedral, ca. 1215–25. (Photo: © Painton Cowan)
24. A money changer and his client. Saint Joseph window, donor panel, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1205–15.
(Photo: © Painton Cowan)
25. The stoning of Saint Stephen. Saint Stephen window, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1220–25. (Photo: ©
Painton Cowan)
26. Cain kills Abel. Good Samaritan window, Chartres Cathedral, ca. 1205–15. (Photo: © Painton Cowan)
27. A priest’s hand withers as he touches the coffin of Mary. Glorification of the Virgin window, Chartres
Cathedral, ca. 1205–15. (Photo: © Painton Cowan)
1230–1350
CHAPTER FIVE: THE JEW’S FACE: FLESH, SIGHT, AND SOVEREIGNTY, CA.