St Bernard in penitence 1558 - 1627

Giovanni Battista Fontana rendered this drawing of Saint Bernard in penitence with pen and brush in brown ink. Observe the prominent skull held by Saint Bernard, a stark memento mori reminding us of mortality’s inescapable grip. This symbol echoes through centuries, appearing in ancient Roman art as a vanitas, reappearing in Renaissance paintings, a constant companion to human existence. Consider how this motif taps into our collective unconscious, stirring primal fears and anxieties about death. The skull is juxtaposed with the cross, symbolizing redemption, and the bishop's mitre to the left, left aside for the penitence of the saint. Together they reflect the eternal struggle between earthly existence and spiritual salvation. This visual language transcends time, resurfacing in varied forms. Each era imbues it with new layers of meaning, yet the core message remains unchanged: contemplate death, embrace morality.