The Virgin Mary Bestows the Habit of the Order on St. Norbert

The relief is based on the engraving No. 15 by Th. Galle from the book “Vita S. Norberti,” annotated and published by Ch. van der Sterre in Antwerp in 1622.

A relief depicting the vision of the Virgin Mary appearing to St. Norbert in Prémontré to offer him the habit for the order.

The saint is shown with another monk during prayer. They are kneeling in their habits, turned to the viewer with their left side. Between them, angels hold the habit being presented by the Virgin Mary, who is suspended in the clouds. The monk in front of the altar (on the left side) holds an open book in his hands and is not part of the saint’s vision, who stands behind him with hands spread in a prayerful gesture, his head surrounded by a radiant halo and turned towards Mary.

The upper part of the relief includes swirling clouds, the Virgin Mary with the Child depicted in a bust form on the left, surrounded by winged angel heads; two child angels holding the habit being bestowed on Norbert.

In the foreground, there are two hats lying on the floor, with an open book and an olive branch between them.