Spanish school; 17th century. "Saint Bernard... Lot 52

Spanish school; 17th century. "Saint Bernard of Clairvaux embracing Christ". Oil on canvas. Relined. It presents important faults and repainting. Measurements: 165 x 102 cm. Scene of devotional character in which Saint Bernard of Clairvaux is represented, kneeling, before the figure of Christ, who approaches his arms towards the saint in a close attitude, with the intention of embracing. Both figures are located in the centre of the composition, in the background, as the saint's mitre is in the foreground. It is interesting to note that Jesus is on the Cross, so that this is a representation of a miracle, in which, while Clairvaux was praying to Christ, the latter approaches him, unhooking his arms from the wood and bringing them closer to the saint. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153) was a French monastic reformer. In 1112 he retired to the abbey of Cîteaux and three years later he began to direct the monastery of Clairvaux. He was responsible for the practices of the Cistercian Order, based on discipline, austerity, prayer and simplicity. These ideals brought him into conflict with Peter the Venerable, abbot of Cluny, as they were a direct attack on the wealth of the monasteries. In 1128, Bernard took part in the Council of Troyes, convened by Pope Honorius II and presided over by Cardinal Matthew of Albano. The purpose of this council was to settle certain disputes of the bishops of Paris, and to regulate other affairs of the Church of France. The bishops appointed Bernard secretary of the council and charged him with drafting the synodal statutes. Bernard was denounced, even in Rome. He was accused of meddling. Cardinal Harmeric, on behalf of the Pope, wrote Bernardo a harsh letter of protest in which he said: "It is not appropriate for noisy and troublesome frogs to come out of their swamps to disturb the Holy See and the cardinals".