Description
The painting "Apparition of The Virgin to St Bernard" by the artist Filippino Lippi is a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. The painting, with an original size of 210 x 195 cm, shows a heavenly scene in which the Virgin Mary appears to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in a vision.
The artistic style of the painting is typical of the Italian Renaissance, with meticulous attention to detail and precise use of perspective and light. The composition is impressive, with the figure of the Virgin Mary in the center of the image, surrounded by angels and saints. Saint Bernard is kneeling on the ground, with his hands together in prayer, in a gesture of humility and devotion.
Color is another prominent aspect of the painting, with a rich and vibrant palette including shades of blue, red, gold, and green. The details of the characters' clothing and jewelry are carefully rendered, adding to the feeling of wealth and opulence.
The history of the painting is fascinating, as it was commissioned by Cardinal Oliviero Carafa for his family chapel in the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome. The work was completed in 1485 and became one of the most admired of the time.
A little known aspect of the painting is that Filippino Lippi included his own portrait in the work. His face can be seen in the angel in the lower left corner of the image, suggesting that the artist identified with the heavenly world he was depicting.
In short, "Apparition of The Virgin to St Bernard" is an Italian Renaissance masterpiece noted for its artistic style, composition, color, and rich history. It is a painting that continues to be admired and studied by art experts around the world.