MEDIEVAL IMAGES OF SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX - GL29.jpg

Category Glass
Origin: artist/workshop Cologne workshop
Date 16C/1
Reference No
Size 65x84
Provenance Altenberg Cistercian Abbey, cloister
Present Location Aachen, Ludwig Collection
Bibliography VP2:7:47 (PL185:295-6); LA 215; Paffrath 1984, 122-5

Eckert 1953, 87
Illustration From Paffrath 1984, ill 32
Other illustrations Eckert 1953, pl 25

Country Germany
Description:
1505/32. The scene of Bernard's part in achieving the submission of the second anti-pope Victor IV's submission to Innocent II in 1138. The anti-pope is supposed to have come to Bernard to tell him that he was willing to submit, which led Victor to prostrate himself before Innocent and take an oath of fidelity to him. Bernard's mission was now fulfilled and he was able to write to the prior of Clairvaux: 'At last the peace has come which I felt sure would come, although I could not tell when. Now nothing remains to keep me here any longer, and I can change' 'I will come' for 'I am coming', as you have been imploring me to do' (Ep .317). On the right Innocent sits on his throne, wearing a golden tiara and cope and carrying his cross. He is flanked by two cardinals. The anti-pope kneels before him having removed his tiara and placed this on the floor. He is escorted by Bernard whose hands are placed on his shoulders, and the solemn scene is sealed by the scroll 'Te Deum laudamus'. The location is indicated by the inscription on the wall: 'Roma'. The far left corner has a kneeling donor with a rosary and his coat of arms at his feet. Behind him are a number of kneeling Cistercian monks.