XIR169107
figure on bottom left is the donor, John Philagathos, Bishop of Plaisance; Christ blessing Holy Roman Emperor Otto II, and Empress Theophano. Ivory, 10th century. Christ stands under a canopy between Emperor Otto II and Empress Theophano, who wear imperial costume. Christ places a hand on each head, as a sign of blessing or an act of coronation. Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor, the Red, (955-83) son of Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor and his second wife Princess Adelaide of Burgundy . Theophanu (c. 955–91), also spelled Theophania, Theophana or Theophano, was the niece of the Byzantine Emperor John I Tzimiskes. By her marriage with Holy Roman Emperor Otto II, she was Empress consort of the Holy Roman Empire and held regency as Empress dowager upon her husband's death in 983.
DC