Final answer:
The correct answer is option 2. The subject of the Golden Haggadah is religious, with a focus on the narration of Passover, complemented by rich artistic illustrations. It is both a ritual artifact and a luxurious work of art, signifying the owner's wealth and the importance of the celebration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Golden Haggadah is primarily a religious work, crucial to the Jewish celebration of Passover. It contains a series of prayers and readings, in addition to beautifully illustrated miniatures that portray scenes from the Biblical Exodus, including the Plagues of Egypt, Scenes of Liberation, and various preparations for Passover. Its elaborate decoration with gold leaf indicates that it also has significant artistic value, reflecting the wealth and status of its owner.
The illustrations serve not only as religious instruction but as a visual narrative meant to enhance the seder experience. These images would help families visualize the stories as they recite the narration during the meal. The luxurious nature of the manuscript, with its gold leaf embellishments, and the fact that it was expensive to produce, underscore the Golden Haggadah's status as a fine work of art within the context of medieval illuminated manuscripts.