A tempera on panel painting by Filippo Lippi depicting the Virgin Mary appearing to St. Bernard of Clairvaux. The painting reflects the Early Renaissance interest in naturalism and humanism.

This tempera on panel painting depicts the Virgin Mary appearing to St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Filippo Lippi (1406-1469) was an Italian painter of the Early Renaissance. He developed a distinctive style characterised by its delicate figures, linear grace, and use of colour. Lippi's works often blend religious themes with humanist elements, reflecting the artistic trends of his time. He trained artists such as Sandro Botticelli. His personal life was unconventional; he eloped with a nun, Lucrezia Buti, who later became the mother of his son, Filippino Lippi, also a painter. The painting shows St. Bernard seated at a desk, engrossed in writing. The Virgin Mary appears before him, accompanied by angels and other figures. The composition is balanced, with the figures arranged in a harmonious manner. The colours are muted, with a focus on soft tones of red, white, and brown. The figures are rendered with a delicate touch, and their expressions are serene and contemplative. The painting reflects the Early Renaissance interest in naturalism and humanism, while still maintaining a sense of religious reverence.