The artwork titled “St. Bernard of Clairvaux” was created by the artist Fra Angelico between the years 1438 and 1440. Executed in tempera on a panel, this piece belongs to the Early Renaissance art movement and measures 37 by 15 centimeters. It is a religious painting and forms part of the “San Marco Altarpiece” series. The artwork is currently housed in the Lindenau-Museum in Altenburg, Germany.
The artwork features a full-length depiction of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a central figure in the Cistercian order. The saint is presented with a solemn expression and wears a simple, hooded monastic robe. He is characterized by his distinct halo, symbolizing his sanctity, and holds a book and a scourge, representing his theological scholarship and ascetic practices respectively. The background is rendered in warm, earthen tones, providing a humble yet divine atmosphere that befits the spiritual nature of the subject. The meticulous detail and gentle luminosity are indicative of Fra Angelico’s masterful technique and devotion to religious art.
