| A magnificent Florentine manuscript of 'Vita Sancti Bernardi' from the third quarter of the fifteenth century has a half-figure of a nimbed and bearded Bernard within the gold initial B(ernardus burgundie partibus) at the beginning of his life as indicated by the text in red ink above the initial: 'Incipit vita beati Bernardi Clarevallensis abbatis'. He holds a red book in his left hand and his right hand is raised in blessing. His cowl is brown. In the background is the magnificent church of Clairvaux with a tower and tall spire. Richly decorated border on three sides with leaves, flowers, putti, and birds.
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