Hildegard of Bingen, Rewards of Life, Illustrated

by Edith Schrot

This show features paintings that illustrate the text of the medieval document that describes the second Vision of St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), a 12th century Benedictine nun. The illustrations are done in a contemporary style.

Using metaphorical images, the text of the Vision ("The Book of Life's Merits", written 1158-1163) describes the essence and nature of humanity, its connection with the created universe, the source and nature of evil, the resources available to overcome evil, and the ultimate meaning and goal of life.      

These illustrations were recently published in a book that includes the text of Hildegard's description of the Vision (from the 1992 translation by Bruce W. Hozeski), the symbolic meaning of the images, and a proposal for the relationship of this document to Hildegard's other visionary works ("Scivias", written 1141-1151), and "The Book of Divine Works", written 1163-1173). Both of the original manuscripts of these visionary works were lavishly illustrated (illuminated). However, Hildegard's second visionary work (Book of Life's Merits) was not illustrated by members of her medieval community, nor by anyone up to the present. 

The paintings in this exhibit, and the artist's published book, were created to fill this void, and bring Hildegard's text and its meaning to life, as visual images for a contemporary audience. 

Hildegard of Bingen was a composer of music, "abbess" of two monasteries, author of manuscripts on medicine, science, botany, and theology, a preacher, playwright, and advisor to secular and religious leaders at all levels, as well as people from all walks of life and economic levels of society.