Hildegard of Bingen: Mystic, Artist, Composer, Pioneer

Hildegard of Bingen was a 12th century mystic, abbess, theologian, composer, artist, and medical practitioner. She was a pioneer in many ways; she was granted papal permission to preach in public (something women were banned from doing), she was the first female composer whose name and biography we know, her image is the first self-portrait to exist from the Middle Ages, she was the writer of the first morality play, and she is considered by some to be the first German natural scientist. She was also one of only four female Doctors of the Catholic Church.

It is not surprising then, that recent feminist scholarship has developed a growing interest in her. Hailed sometimes as a proto feminist, or even a proto eco-feminist, Hildegard is considered by some as a shining example of feminine and feminist thought in the Medieval world. But looking at her art and words, she seems to resist these interpretations, at least partially. What do we make of Hildegard in the 21st century? In this lecture we will think about her images and words through her role as a prophetess: what did this direct communication with God allow her, and other women of the Medieval period? And what is the fine line that she is balancing?

Whether you love her, hate her, or are baffled by her, it is difficult to remain unmoved by Hildegard. Her idiosyncratic visions and language as well as her political skills, led her to become, despite societal and physical barriers, the most prolific woman of the Medieval era.

We are committed to making our sessions as accessible as possible. If you are unable to pay the full amount for this class, please reach out to us via email at [email protected] and we will provide you with a discount code.