Hildegard’s Migraine
Hildegard’s Migraine ,24″x24″ plus frame. Oil and mixed media on canvas over wood
This painting developed from a gesture drawing resembling a woman with a splitting migraine. It was painted in oil on a linen-covered board with lace and glitter.
Detail
The Frame
The frame, made from copies of medieval paintings of saints, and antiqued gave the painting a sense of age and depth.
Hildegard History
Hildegard von Bingen took life in my painting. It was her genius in writing music and drawing, plus the fact that she had migraines and drew the images she saw in her mind that came to mind.
Hildegard, born in the 11th century, did drawings of her visions, and she believed these visions were her direct communication with God. This action was taboo. Only a pope could have the privilege of communicating directly with God. However, the Pope overlooked her “transgression” because her purity and skills were well known.
Hildegard’s Skills
She composed music still played today and drew and painted exceptionally well. Her picture of the “Universal man” predates Leonardo’s Vitruvian Man for over 300 years. It looks like the inspiration for his image. She also built two convents. This power was when women had little power in the church. She influenced the Pope to believe that dispensations bought by the rich were not correct Christian behavior. A feat few people ever accomplished.
