Hildegard of Bingen – “Self Portrait” – Catholic Art Print – Mystic Visions – Archival Quality – Catholic Gift

This is a self-portrait of medieval St. Hildegard of Bingen. It is the frontispiece of Liber Scivias (Know the Ways), one of her theological books which explain her mystic visions. Some of her other illustrations are deeply complex, but this is clearer. Even so, all the details suggest a meaning. She is a cloistered nun, an Abbess, and the Holy Spirit has descended upon her like tongues of fire. She is within the Church; by implication, she is orthodox and under its protection. The monk-named Volmar, her teacher and friend-is hearing her tell her vision. Besides being who he is, he represents the rest of us. He is within her "cell," deeply personal, sharing her work. She is sharing her vision with the whole Church. Even the footstool has a tradition in ancient Catholic art. Pictures of the Church Fathers, when they are seated, composing, often have a footstool. We are pretty sure this suggests not simply a creature comfort of the writer-which would not have been the concern of the ar