The blue Bamberg Rationale

Since the 18th century, the blue Bamberg Rationale (DMB Inv.No. 3.1.0002) has also been counted among the four "Reitröcke" (rider mantles) of St. Emperor Heinrich and thus among the Bamberg imperial robes.

During the Middle Ages and the early modern period, the textile’s connection to Heinrich II (973-1024, ruled 1014-1024) and Kunigunde (died 1033) is not recorded in writing, but there are indications that it can be regarded as a donation by the imperial couple to the first Bamberg bishop, Eberhard I (1007-1040). An explanatory video shows the special features of this world’s oldest preserved rationale (vestment).

The front reflects upon the Song of Songs and shows Christ as the peace-bringing king, as the new Solomon. Three paths lead to him: martyrdom, charity and confessing witness. The columns supporting the architecture of Solomon’s splendid bed are supported by the Princes of the apostles Peter and Paul.

The shoulder medallions, showing both the twelve tribes of Judah and four episcopal virtues, connect the front to the back. Where the depiction of the apocalyptic lamb thematises the concept of the end of time according to the Revelation to John.
This combination is the pictorial realisation of Heinrich II’s two book gifts to Bamberg Cathedral: the Bamberg Apocalypse (SBB Msc.Bibl.140) and the commentary on the Song of Songs (SBB Msc.Bibl.22).

Since the bishop of Bamberg had already been conferred the higher-ranking pallium in 1053 by Pope Leo IX (1040-1045), the rationale was also worn by the celebrating priest in Bamberg. This use made numerous repairs necessary.

In the late Middle Ages, the Bamberg embroiderer Andreas Spiß transferred the gold embroidery to a new vestment of Italian silk damask. The liturgical use of the Bamberg rationale is documented until the mid-17th century. Traces of use can also be seen in its lining from 1722.

Tanja Kohwagner-Nikolai