Charlemagne and His WifeThis illumination from a ninth-century manuscript portrays Charlemagne with one of his wives. Marriage was an important tool of diplomacy for Charlemagne, and he had a number of wives and concubines. (Erich Lessing/Art Resource, NY)> PICTURING THE PASTANALYZING THE IMAGE: What does Charlemagne appear to be doing? How would you characterize his wife’s reaction?
CONNECTIONS: Does this depiction of a Frankish queen match what you’ve read about Frankish queens? On what accomplishments did a queen’s status rest?