Which deeds become images? – Otto the Great in the memory of later times

Otto the Great is undoubtedly one of the historical figures of world-historical significance. He can be regarded as the founder of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, which lasted until 1806. To mark the 1050th anniversary of Otto the Great's death, the special exhibition at Magdeburg's Museum of Cultural History "What deeds become images? Otto the Great in the memory of later times" is dedicated to the afterlife of the first Roman-German emperor and explores the question of how Otto the Great has been seen and received in art and historical culture over the centuries up to the present day. Which of his countless deeds did posterity consider worthy of depiction? And how was he depicted in the various genres of visual art? Whether as a victorious defender of his empire, a virtuous brother or a grieving husband, Otto the Great and his time are presented in the special exhibition with a historical approach from different time horizons. This approach enables visitors to gain a deeper insight into the different models of interpretation of the pictorial themes through the centuries and makes it clear that the depictions of the past always also reflect the present.

Significant exhibits, paintings, sculptures and graphic works from the late Middle Ages to the present day are on display in the special exhibition, highlighting important events in the life of Otto the Great. Visitors are introduced to him as a founder and benefactor. Numerous depictions of the Battle of Lechfeld in 955 celebrate him as the saviour of the nation. A separate chapter is dedicated to his virtues as a ruler. Finally, the reception of other ruler personalities of the 10th-11th centuries in 19th century history paintings opens up the possibility of a European comparison.

A special focus in the special exhibition is on the women from Otto the Great's circle. The two wives Editha and Adelheid, the daughter-in-law Theophanu and the poet and nun Hrotsvit von Gandersheim, who immortalised the family history and the work of Otto the Great in her work "Gesta Ottonis - Die Taten Ottos", were of interest to posterity not only because of their connection to the ruler. Rather, these powerful women also secured their fame in the visual arts, music and literature through their own significance as benefactors, saints, regents or poets.

The artistic exhibition design promises to immerse visitors in a world of experience and invites them to contemplate the individual exhibition objects and their interpretations.