Apocalypse as Utopian Expectation (800-1500): The Apocalypse Commentary of Berengaudus of Ferrieres and the Relationship between Exegesis, Liturgy and Iconography

This study relates the utopian expectation of early medieval Apocalypse commentaries to exegesis and liturgy as well as to later medieval art. It discusses the commentary by Berengaudus of Ferrieres, and establishes him as a Carolingian, rejecting arguments for an 11th-12th-century date. Berengaudus’ optimism about the new world of Apoc. 21-22 is highlighted, and the commentary’s popularity is seen as coinciding with the rebuilding of churches.