3-037-731 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Saint Bernard's Vision of the Virgin and Child: miniature from a Prayer Book or a Book of Hours, about 1475-1480. Saint Bernard (1090-1153), a Cistercian monk, and renowned theologian, is depicted in prayer before the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, both adorned with radiant halos, emphasizing their divine nature. This image portrays Bernard's plea to Mary to prove herself as the Mother of God. Remarkably, upon his request, the statue miraculously begins to lactate, confirming Mary's divine role as the Mother of God (Monstra te esse matrem). Bernard's words, in Latin, are inscribed in gold above the Virgin's head. The figures are placed in the foreground, which gives the viewer the impression that they are standing behind Bernard, as a witness to the miracle alongside the saint. The statue of the Virgin and Child seems to come to life before him, a feeling enhanced by the artist's depiction of the Christ child reaching out and grasping Bernard's staff. The overall effect is to bring the viewer as close as possible to the saint's own experience of the miracle. This miniature was removed from a devotional book at some point in the past.