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Secondary sourcePainting27 August 2005

Hildegard Speaks to Emperor Barbarossa at Ingelheim

Kurt Wichmann · 27 August 2005

A modern painted panel at Eibingen Abbey depicting Hildegard addressing Emperor Barbarossa.

This panel shows Hildegard in a key episode of her public life, speaking directly to Emperor Barbarossa.

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A painted panel showing Hildegard of Bingen in conversation with Emperor Barbarossa at Ingelheim.
Kurt Wichmann, Wie Hildegard in Ingelheim zu Kaiser Barbarossa spricht, 2005. Eibingen Abbey.

About this source

What it is

This modern painted panel, made by Kurt Wichmann in 2005 for Eibingen Abbey, shows Hildegard of Bingen speaking with Emperor Barbarossa at Ingelheim.

Why it matters

Hildegard was known not only as a mystic and writer but also as a public figure who corresponded and met with powerful leaders of her time, including emperors and popes. This scene highlights her influence beyond the convent walls. As a modern work, it shows how later generations have imagined and honored this moment.

Look closer

  • What does this scene suggest about Hildegard's status and influence in her society?
  • How might the artist have decided what Hildegard and the emperor looked like, since no contemporary portrait exists?
  • What questions would you want to ask about how accurately this depicts the actual historical meeting?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Hildegard of Bingen on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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