SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN MEDIEVAL DEVOTIONAL

This richly symbolic medieval devotional image is centered around the Passion of Christ and heavily influenced by Bridgettine spirituality.

🔶 CENTRAL ELEMENTS

The Cross

• The wooden cross is central, representing the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
• It bears the “INRI” inscription, Latin for “Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum” (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews), the sign Pontius Pilate placed above Jesus’ head during the crucifixion.

The Crown of Thorns

• Encircles the entire central composition.
• Symbolizes Christ’s suffering and mockery by Roman soldiers.
• It forms a frame, almost like a halo of suffering, drawing focus inward.

Heart Pierced by Three Arrows

• Located at the center of the cross.
• The Sacred Heart is a symbol of Jesus’ divine love and suffering.
• The three arrows represent the three principal wounds or sorrows of Christ (hands, feet, and side), or possibly the Trinity wounding the heart of Christ for love of humanity.

Holy Lance and Sponge on Reed

• Traditional Passion instruments:
  
• The spear (left of the cross) that pierced Christ’s side.
• The reed with a sponge (also left), used to offer vinegar to Jesus on the cross.

Scourge and Column

• On the right side of the cross is the pillar and scourge (whip), representing the Flagellation of Christ.

 

 

 

 

🔶 PERIPHERAL ELEMENTS

Five Red-Wounded Hearts

• One in each corner and the central heart at the Cross. 
• Each heart is pierced and has blood, representing the Five Holy Wounds of Christ:
  
• Hands (2), feet (2), and side (1).
• Each is decorated with fleur-de-lis motifs—possibly indicating purity, royalty, or the Virgin Mary.

Top Banner: “Sancta Birgitta”

• Latin for Saint Bridget (or Birgitta).
• Indicates this image is either attributed to her vision or devotion.

 

 

 

 

🔶 BOTTOM TEXT

Inscription in Middle Dutch

• “Ihuwonde en syn liden daechte alme in uw herte”
• Translates as: “His wounds and His suffering, always remember in your heart.”
• A call to meditative compassion—a central theme in Bridgettine spirituality.

 

 

 

 

🔶 SPIRITUAL & DEVOTIONAL CONTEXT

This image is rooted in late medieval affective piety, which encouraged believers to meditate on Christ’s Passion with the goal of uniting their own suffering to His.

• St. Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373) received detailed visions of the Passion, which were widely circulated and influenced devotional art.
• This image likely served as a tool for meditation, reminding viewers to interiorize Christ’s suffering.

16”x20” acrylic on wood. 
prayerfully made by Stephen Hotchkiss, if unavailable please inquire about having a similar painting made.