The artwork, titled “The Virgin Appears to St. Bernard,” was created by Filippo Lippi in the year 1447. This religious painting, rendered on a wooden medium, belongs to the Early Renaissance art movement and is currently housed in the National Gallery in London, UK.
The composition of the artwork centers around the Virgin Mary appearing to St. Bernard. St. Bernard is depicted in an attitude of reverence and devotion, seated at a writing desk with an open book on which he rests his left hand and holds a quill in his right hand. The Virgin Mary is placed slightly elevated and surrounded by angelic figures, emphasizing her divine presence. The figures possess a serene and contemplative expression, and their halos signify their holy status. The backdrop features a rocky landscape, enhancing the otherworldly and mystical atmosphere of the scene. The painting is characterized by its fine use of light and shadow, delicate details, and a harmonious color palette, all of which are typical of the Early Renaissance style.
