About Saint Hildegard
Hildegard von Bingen was a 12th-century German Benedictine abbess who founded 2 monastic communities in the Rhineland-Palantine region of Germany and was a polymath active in theology, music, art, medicine, and healing, and philosophy. One of the most influential women in European history, Hildegard is noted as a Christian mystic and prophet and considered to be the founder of scientific natural history in Germany. She was formally cannoned by the Vatican in 2012 and is only one of 4 women who have been made a Doctor of the Church.
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Written Works
Her written works include “Liber Scivas” (“Know the Ways”), “Physica”, “Causae et Curae” (“Causes and Cures”), and her book of visions “Liber Vitae Meritorum” (“The Book of the Rewards of Life”) and are still available in print all over the world today, and her music still performed worldwide.
Visual Works
Hildegard von Bingen’s art style is often classified as medieval or Romanesque art. As a medieval German abbess and polymath, she lived in the 12th century, and her artistic expressions were heavily influenced by the prevailing artistic and cultural styles of that period.
Her illuminated manuscripts, which contain intricate and colorful illustrations, are the most well-known examples of her art. The illuminations often depicted biblical scenes, visions, and symbolic representations of the natural world. These artworks were created using vibrant colors, gold leaf, and ornate details, characteristic of the Romanesque art style.
The art of Hildegard von Bingen reflected both her spiritual visions and her deep understanding of the natural world. It combined religious themes with elements from the surrounding environment, such as plants, animals, and celestial bodies. Her artistic creations not only served to convey her spiritual insights but also showcased her extensive knowledge in various disciplines, including theology, medicine, and philosophy.
More Resources
Additional resources on Saint Hildegard von Bingen are available including the opportunity to partake in a virtual pilgrimage in the land of Hildegard.