Bernard Silvestris
Bernard Silvestris, also known as Bernardus Silvestris, was a notable twelfth-century poet and philosopher, likely born around 1085 and passing away in 1178. He is known for his seminal work, the "Cosmographia," presented to Pope Eugenius III in 1147. This allegorical epic poem explores the creation of the world, divided into two parts: the "Megacosmos," which aligns with Platonic cosmology, and the "Microcosmos," focusing on humanity's central role in the universe. Silvestris's writings are largely based on pagan sources, prompting debate among scholars about his religious affiliations, with some viewing him as a Christian writer and others emphasizing his pagan influences.
In addition to "Cosmographia," Silvestris authored other works, such as "Mathematicus" and "Experimentarius," and a significant commentary on Virgil's "Æneid," which addresses themes of wisdom, liberal arts, and moral philosophy. His influence extended to later writers, including Geoffrey Chaucer, who drew inspiration from his use of allegory to explore metaphysical themes. Scholars have also speculated about his educational background, with connections made to the School of Chartres, although evidence is inconclusive. Silvestris remains a vital figure in medieval literature and philosophy, reflecting the intellectual currents of his time.
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Bernard Silvestris
Nonfiction Writer and Poet
- Born: c. 1085
- Died: 1178
Biography
Bernard Silvestris (also known as Bernardus Silvestris) lived during the twelfth century. He was a poet and a philosopher. He was probably born near the end of the eleventh century around 1085. He is believed to have died in 1178.
In 1147, his Cosmographia was presented to Pope Eugenius III. In this work, Silvestris gives descriptions of the city of Tours, France, and its surroundings, which reveal an intimate knowledge of the city and have led scholars to believe that he was born in or near Tours. In the later Middle Ages, a number of authors who mentioned him in their works linked him to Tours.
Some scholars, however, believe that Silvestris studied and then taught at the School of Chartres. This belief arises undoubtedly from the fact that there was a teacher and scholar at Chartres, who like Silvestris, was a Platonist. He taught there from 1114 to 1119 and served as chancellor from 1119 to 1124. However, he died in 1130, approximately seventeen years before Silvestris’s Cosmographia was written. It appeared around 1147. Further reason for confusing Bernard Silvestris and Bernard of Chartres is found in the existence of a letter dedicating the Cosmographia to Thierrey of Chartres. Even though there is little possibility that Silvestris was ever actually at Chartres, he certainly resembled the Chartrian scholars in his thinking.
His most important work, the Cosmographia, is based on pagan sources. It is an allegorical epic poem recounting the creation of the world. The work is divided into two parts. The first, referred to as the Megacosmos, closely follows the cosmology that Plato presents in his Timaeus. The second part, called the Microcosmos, treats the creation of human beings and represents the human as being at the center of the world.
Silvestris wrote two other poems, Mathematicus and Experimentarius. Several other works have been attributed to Silvestris, including a significant commentary on the first six books of the Æneid, Commentum super sex Æneidos in Virgilii. The commentary is allegorical and discusses wisdom, the liberal arts, and moral philosophy. Silvestris advocated using secular poetical works as a means of teaching ethics and moral philosophy.
Scholars disagree as to whether Silvestris was a Christian writer. The highly respected medievalist Etienne Gilson viewed him as a Christian writer. In the opinion of other scholars such as M. McCrimmon, Silvestris was not a Christian writer because he consistently used pagan sources for his writing. Bernard Silvestris had a significant influence on several later writers, including Geoffrey Chaucer. The Cosmographia inspired them to use allegory in the treatment of metaphysical and scientific subjects.