Hildegard von Bingen's Liber Scivias (around 1150)
A (early) feminist approach to Christian theology?

Lecture: Prof. Monika Leisch-Kiesl, Linz/Basel/Kraków
Welcome: Marta Grabowska, Museum of HerStory of Art 
Moderator: Agata Kokoryn, MA student of art history and cultural studies

Prof. Monika Leisch-Kiesl:

Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179) was a Benedictine nun and, already during her lifetime, a highly esteemed mystic, advisor on life issues, and consultant to ecclesiastical and political authorities. In her three-volume theological magnum opus, she not only offers a surprising vision of Christian salvation history, but also undertakes an explicit revaluation of the characterization of women. An early feminist theologian? In a sense, yes! 
The focus will lie on the first of the three books, the Liber Scivias, composed in the years 1141–51. This manuscript was written during Hildegard's lifetime and, presumably under her supervision, magnificently illustrated. Not only the text, but also the images in this manuscript are unique. 
During this evening, we will therefore engage in a double dialogue: on the one hand between text and image, and on the other between 'male' and 'female' writing of Christian salvation history. 

Monika Leisch-Kiesl, art historian and philosopher, curator, professor at the Private Catholic University in Linz, visiting professor at universities in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. (www.leisch-kiesl.com)

Picture: Liber Scivias, Illumination accompanying the third vision of Part I 

Museum of HerStory of Art 
Pałac Potockich, Markt
Cracow

03.04.2024 (Wed.), 18:00 hrs.
In English
Free entrance