The artwork “Six days of creation” by Hildegard of Bingen is a medieval miniature that epitomizes the Romanesque art movement. This period is characterized by a robust and monumental style of architecture and art, evident in the expressive symbolism and religious themes present in this creation.
The artwork vividly portrays the six days of the creation narrative. In the center, we observe a vibrant concentric pattern representing the creation of light, surrounded by darkness. This symbolizes the very beginning when light was set apart from darkness. The subsequent panels illustrate what appears to be a succession of the days of creation in a clockwise direction, starting from the top left.
Each compartmentalized vignette is teeming with symbolic imagery corresponding to the biblical account of Genesis. In one segment, celestial bodies—the sun, moon, and stars—populate the heavens, whereas another shows the creation of plants and trees. Various living creatures are depicted in other portions, including birds, fish, and animals, reflecting the rich biodiversity willed into existence. The bottom right illustrates the formation of Adam, man’s first ancestor, with a divine figure extending a radiant life force upon him.
Bordering the central story is a meticulously designed frame, adorned with an intricate leaf pattern, consistent with Romanesque stylistic choices and a testament to the detailed artisanship of the era. This frame encapsulates the creation tale within a sacred and ornamental boundary, emphasizing its theological significance.
Hildegard of Bingen’s representation of the creation story is not merely an artistic endeavor but also a theological discourse conveyed through the medium of illustration, providing a visual theology that was accessible to those in her time who experienced the art. Her work remains a significant embodiment of medieval spirituality and artistic expression.
