Final answer:
The Gospels of Charlemagne feature classical poses and full-bodied figures that connect to ancient Roman art, while the Ottonian manuscripts depict flatter, more static figures reflective of their period's artistic conventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gospels of Charlemagne, particularly the Coronation Gospels, were created during the Carolingian Renaissance and were characterized by their classical style, reminiscent of ancient Roman art. The figures in these manuscripts, such as those in the Gospel Book of Charlemagne, are posed similarly to images of ancient Roman philosophers. The Coronation Gospels were luxurious items, written in gold ink on purple-dyed vellum. The classical style linked Charlemagne’s rule to that of the ancient Rome, thus emphasizing the grandeur of his reign.
In contrast, the Ottonian manuscripts, such as the Gospels of Otto III, showcased a different artistic approach. These works are known for their dedication portraits, where the donor of the manuscript presents the book to their chosen saint, and the style of these manuscripts connects to the Ottonian period's religious and political customs. The figures in Ottonian manuscripts tend to have a more flat and static appearance, such as the provinces bringing tribute to Otto III, demonstrating an idealized vision of his rule.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question 'How were the Gospels of Charlemagne different from the Ottonian manuscripts?' is b. the figures are full-bodied and wear white robes, reflecting the Renaissance ideal of relinking to classical antiquity in the Coronation Gospels' illustrations.