The artwork titled “Ninth Vision. Personification of God’s power” is a creation by Hildegard of Bingen, an influential figure of the Romanesque art movement. This miniature, with dimensions of 36 x 26 cm, is part of the seminal work “Liber Divinorum Operum (The Book of Divine Works).”
The artwork in question is a vivid and symbolic representation of divine power, as perceived and conveyed by the artist. We see a humanoid figure adorned with scales like a fish, suggesting a connection to the element of water, surrounded by wings imbued with the fiery colors of red and gold, possibly denoting the air element and the manifestation of a spiritual presence. In the embrace of this winged being, there is a portrayal of an aged man’s face, likely symbolizing wisdom or divine inspiration. The background shines with gold, a typical characteristic of medieval manuscript illuminations that symbolizes holiness and heavenly glory.
The composition of the artwork is steeped in allegory and likely reflects the theological philosophies and spiritual visions of Hildegard herself. The use of vibrant colors and specific iconography is both indicative of the Romanesque style and reflective of the individualistic expression of the artist’s own mystical experiences.
