Wednesday, March 26, 2014

The "Mystery"… Revealed!

Working on the most recent Art Doll Quarterly Challenge has been,
well… a challenge!  But she is finished!  My Medieval Mystery Maiden:
(drum-roll, please…)
Playing softly in the background, while completing my doll 
for the “Medieval Doll Challenge, are the ethereal voices 
of a Gregorian chant.   I am listening to music composed 
by one of the most remarkable and gifted women 
in medieval history: Hildegard von Bingen. 
Born in Germany in 1098, she would dedicate her life 
to serving others; becoming a nun at the age of fifteen.  

During her lifetime, Hildegard of Bingen created an immense 
outpouring of work in music, poetry, and scientific literature.  
She was both a woman of vision and a “visionary” of some 
Biblical and religious texts during the 12th century. 

 
The music, which I have incorporated on the doll stand, 
represents one of Hildegard’s chants: O virtus Sapientiae 
(Strength of Wisdom). I wonder if the text could have been based 
upon this familiar proverbial quote that Hildegard 
would have been acquainted with: Proverbs 9:10 
The fear of the LORD 
is the beginning of wisdom: 
and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (KJV) 
 
 The manuscript sitting on the small side table is a representation 
of her writings on medieval medicine: Liber Simplicis Medicinae 
(Simple Book of Medicine).  The glass jars hold her herbal remedies. 

Hildegard… a medieval lady in waiting! 
(Yes, waiting to be shipped off to California…)
Thank you for taking this creative journey with me! Daryle

3 comments:

  1. My first thought when I saw Hildegard, was that she would make a good Mother Teresa, or a 'sister' or 'nun'. Then I read down further and sure enough, my 'assumption' was correct. She sure fits the mold. You chose a good role model for your 'immaculate' medieval doll. She is amazingly created.

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  2. Wow, I am really impressed. Love your Hildegard and all the wonderful photos from her in progress. Thank you so much for this inspiration in doll art!
    Greetings from Erika (A Hildegard lover :))

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  3. She's wonderful, Daryl...and one of my favorite historical ladies. I taught a herbal medicine class at one our SCA gatherings five or six years ago, and Ms. Bingen figured prominently in the lesson plan. I love the expression on her face...so bright!

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