Description
Bernard of Clairvaux, Cistercian abbot
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) was a Cistercian monk and Doctor of the Church. In 1115 he founded Clairvaux as a daughter house of Cîteaux and became its abbot. His sermons on the Song of Songs explore the soul's relationship with God, making his writings an important part of Christian contemplative spirituality.
The white habit, book and crozier
The icon shows Bernard with a tonsure and pale monastic habit, holding a closed book against his body and an abbot's crozier in his other hand. The book recalls his teaching and writings; the staff refers to his responsibility for a monastic community. It is an abbatial attribute here, not evidence that Bernard was a bishop.
Prayer, reading and contemplation
Bernard's devotion to Christ and the Virgin Mary joined theological reflection with prayer. This image suits a reading place, home prayer corner or monastic setting, especially for someone studying Cistercian spirituality. It may accompany slow, prayerful reading of Scripture rather than serve simply as a portrait of a medieval author.
Made in Poland on linden wood
Art Christiana makes this icon to order on a linden-wood board with two coats of primer. The image is printed directly onto the prepared surface and finished with decorative gold-tone metal leaf (schlagmetal). A certificate bearing the production year and a hanging fixture are attached to the back.