description Lothar Crystal Overview
The Lothar Crystal is an engraved rock crystal disc made around 855–869 for the Carolingian Emperor Lothair II, now held in the British Museum in London. Measuring approximately 11.5 centimetres in diameter, it bears a scene from the biblical story of Susanna carved in intaglio and framed by a Latin inscription identifying the patron. It is one of the finest surviving examples of Carolingian lapidary art and offers rare evidence of the artistic patronage of the mid-ninth-century Frankish court.
help Lothar Crystal FAQ
Where is the Lothar Crystal currently displayed?
The Lothar Crystal is currently held in the British Museum in London. It has been part of their historical collections of medieval antiquities for many years.
What biblical story is depicted on the Lothar Crystal?
The disc bears a scene from the biblical story of Susanna carved in intaglio. The intricate engraving circles the entire outer edge of the crystal.
Who commissioned the creation of the Lothar Crystal?
The engraved rock crystal disc was made around 855–869 for the Carolingian Emperor Lothair II. It was likely created by master artisans in one of the Frankish empire's elite workshops.
What are the physical dimensions of the Lothar Crystal?
The crystal measures approximately 11.5 centimetres in diameter. Its compact size makes the incredibly detailed, intaglio-carved biblical scenes all the more impressive to historians.
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