The artwork “Second vision. Adam as Mankind” by Hildegard of Bingen is a notable Romanesque miniature with dimensions of 36 x 26 cm. It is a part of the “Liber Divinorum Operum” series and showcases the artistic style and religious contemplation characteristic of Hildegard’s oeuvre.
This artwork presents a complex, symbolic illustration centered on the figure of Adam, representing mankind. Adam is depicted within a circular cosmological diagram, reflecting the medieval understanding of the universe. The central figure of Adam is surrounded by concentric bands pulsing with color and imagery, suggesting the interconnectedness of humanity with the celestial realms. Above this depiction sits a divine figure — possibly denoting God — with hands spanning the breadth of the cosmic representation, implying a direct connection to the creation and order of the universe.
In the corners of the piece, smaller figures can be observed, which may symbolize various aspects of the human experience or spiritual entities within the cosmic order. The use of color and the arrangement of these figures around Adam suggest a deep allegorical meaning concerning the place of humanity within the divine schema. The entire composition is framed within a squared border, grounding the celestial depiction in the earthly realm of the manuscript. The integration of text and image is typical of illuminated manuscripts from the Romanesque period, revealing the artwork’s dual function as both a visual and a textual medium.
