Raymond, Graf von Toulouse, und der Heilige Bernhard von Clairvaux planen den Kreuzzug 

This drawing by Antoine Rivalz depicts Raymond, Count of Toulouse, and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux planning a crusade. The sepia tones and soft chalk lines evoke a sense of historical distance, drawing us into the gravity of the scene. The composition is arranged with a clear division of space. On one side, we see the Count, armored and upright, while Saint Bernard is hunched over documents on the other. The figures around them are rendered with varying degrees of detail, creating a sense of depth and focus. The architecture in the background, sketched with quick, confident strokes, provides a structured backdrop for the unfolding event. Rivalz uses the formal elements to create a dialogue between worldly power and spiritual authority. The contrast in posture, the arrangement of figures, and the interplay of light and shadow all contribute to a narrative that transcends the historical moment, inviting us to contemplate the enduring tension between these forces. The drawing thus functions as a site for interpreting power, belief, and the narratives that shape our understanding of history.