Vision of the City of God 

Hildegard of Bingen created this image, "Vision of the City of God," using tempera, gold leaf, and ink on parchment, traditional materials of medieval manuscript illumination. Look closely and you'll see how the gold leaf shimmers, not just adding visual richness but symbolizing the divine. The tempera, made from ground pigments mixed with egg yolk, gives the colors their distinctive matte finish and allows for fine detail, visible in the intricate brickwork of the city walls and the delicate rendering of the figures. Parchment, made from animal skin, provided a durable and luminous surface for Hildegard's vision. The process of creating such a manuscript was painstaking, requiring skilled labor and meticulous attention. From preparing the parchment to grinding the pigments and applying the gold leaf, each step involved specialized knowledge and careful execution. This level of craft reflects the importance placed on spiritual expression in Hildegard’s time. By emphasizing the materials and processes behind "Vision of the City of God," we can appreciate not only its aesthetic beauty but also the deep cultural and spiritual significance embedded within its creation.