King Henry of France and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux n.d.

"King Henry of France and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux" is a pen and brown ink drawing by Johann Christoph Lischka. Its creation is steeped in the religious and political tensions of its time, reflecting the ongoing dialogue between spiritual authority and secular power. The drawing presents us with Henry, a king, in conversation with Bernard, a saint. They both are central figures of their time, embodying distinct forms of leadership and influence. The very presence of the angels suggests a divine sanction, reinforcing the authority of the church. Yet, the discarded crown at Henry’s feet speaks to a complex dynamic of renunciation and reverence. It’s as if the artwork asks: what does it mean for a king to defer to a saint? What does the king gain in that exchange? Lischka invites us to consider how power, faith, and identity intersect. We might reflect on the idea of a divine intermediary and what it represents in terms of the emotional and spiritual lives of historical figures. What might it mean to seek the guidance of a Saint when you're a King?