A sculpture of extraordinary elegance portraying Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church and founder of the Cistercian Order, in all his spiritual authority. Hand-finished by the artisans of Val Gardena, this statue combines devotion and craftsmanship in a work made to last.
The saint is depicted standing, wrapped in a grey-black monastic habit with a broad golden mantle and a burgundy-red drape that falls naturally. In his right hand he holds a golden abbot’s crozier, a symbol of his authority as abbot, while in his left he holds a written scroll, recalling his extraordinary theological work. A crucifix hangs on his chest and a skull rests at his feet, a memento mori of the Cistercian ascetic tradition. His bearded face, contemplative gaze and index finger pointing downward convey deep meditation and doctrinal authority.
Available from 15 to 200 cm, the sculpture is made from maple wood up to 56 cm and linden wood for the larger sizes, with hand-painted and hand-gilded finishes in the Gardena tradition.
