“Embodiment of Soul and Earthly Life”
by Hildegard of Bingen

In this vision of Hildegard of Bingen, we have on the left, the soul coming from Heaven. On the right we have some of the trials the soul goes through in this life. In her description of the vision, the divine energy quickening the soul in its mother's womb is called “the Knowledge of God.”

The resolution of the trials can be found in the heavenly symphony that Hildegard heard, addressed to the Virgin Queen of the celestial choirs:

“For I should have been a companion of the angels, for I am a living breath, which God placed in dry mud; thus I should have known and felt God. But alas! … Oh, who will console me, since even my mother has abandoned me when I strayed from the path of salvation? Who will help me but God?”

Links to performances of this music can be found at The International Society of Hildegard von Bingen Studies (www hildegard-society (dot) org), along with additional commentary on this vision. You also might find music by searching "O splendidissima gemma".

8.5 x 11 acid-free archival paper, with about an inch-and-a-third of white space around the picture. Cardboard backer. Enclosed in a tight-fitting, crystal clear bag.

IMPORTANT!!! The image is smaller than the paper. 

Standard size. This print would look beautiful in a gold frame. Easy to find a ready-made frame at your local Hobby Lobby. If you're sending this as a gift and would like us to frame it for you, please convo and we'll make special arrangements for you.

You might also be interested in original Catholic art and jewelry by me, Sue Kouma Johnson, available all over this shop! Thanks!