Tory Schendel-Vyvoda, curator, lecturer, & artist-philosopher
Dr. Meg Hagseth, adjunct professor of anthropology, Dallas College
Hildegard von Bingen was a profound medieval mystic who scribed and illustrated her visions in a book titled Scivias. Given the intersectionality of religion and gender during the medieval period, Hildegard is important to study because she retained divine authority in her works that lent them credibility in the eyes of the monastic world. In this video learn about mysticism and the prophetess Hildegard von Bingen while understanding the complexities of medieval society.
Video
Primary Source
Hart MC and Bishop J (trans) (1990) Hildegard of Bingen: Scivias. New York, NY: Paulist Press.
Further Reading
Schendel-Vyvoda T (2023) Optics and Visio Dei: Interpretations of Female Mystic Art. Feminist Theology 32(1): 60–73.
Fox M (1985) Illuminations of Hildegard of Bingen. Santa Fe, NM: Bear & Company, Inc.
Torjesen K (1996) “Martyrs, Ascetics, and Gnostics: Gender-crossing in early Christianity,” In Gender Reversals and Gender Cultures: Anthropological and Historical Perspectives Chapter 5:79-91
Discussion Questions
1. Why did Hildegard record her visions, and how did this relate to gender expectations in her time?
2. How did medieval understandings of vision impact Hildegard’s mystical experiences?
3. Are there elements of your own identity that allow you to operate outside cultural norms in your society? What are the social institutions that impact your experience in divergence?
Cite
Schendel-Vyvoda T, Hagseth M. "Female Mystic Art: Hildegard von Bingen", June 12, 2024. Accessed [date]. https://middleagesforeducators.princeton.edu/female-mystic-art-hildegard-von-bingen