ROGER OF HELMARSHAUSEN
German goldsmith and metalwork artist, and also a Benedictine monk. He is first heard of in connection with Stavelot Abbey in the Meuse valley, a centre of Mosan art, and especially goldsmith’s work. He served his apprenticeship here, up to 1100; he may then have made a journey to Constantinople.
He worked between 1100 and 1107 in St. Pantaleon’s church in Cologne. At least two portable altars made by him are in the treasury of Paderborn Cathedral. In 1107 he moved to Helmarshausen Abbey, where he established a goldsmith’s workshop. In Helmarshausen he is mentioned as a respected writer and goldsmith. His workshop produced several important works in the Romanesque style, including various illuminated codices, above all the Gospels of Henry the Lion, as well as many pieces of jewellery.