# The Engraved Phylactery

The phylactery, a scroll either unfurled or held up by a figure, is a classic motif in medieval art. Often adorned with a citation or a name, it helps to identify the figure. Olibrius' phylactery is the only one engraved among those that have been preserved.

While the others were painted, their colors have faded over the centuries, making most of the column statues difficult to identify. The calligraphy of this inscription can be compared to Champenois, Liège, or Northern manuscripts, such as the Liber Pontificalis, a Liège manuscript housed in the municipal library of Reims (ms. 672), or the Bible of the Capucins, executed in Troyes around 1170-1180 by an artist of Mosan origin (vol. 1 and 3).

The designation “King of Antioch” here avoids confusion with other figures also named Olibrius.

Ville de Reims, Bibliotheque municipale, cote Ms 672
Photo © Marc Gil