Richard of Saint Victor

Richard of Saint Victor (died 10 March 1173) was a Medieval Scottish philosopher and theologian and one of the most influential religious thinkers of his time.

A canon regular, he was a prominent mystical theologian, and was prior of the famous Augustinian Abbey of Saint Victor in Paris from 1162 until his death in 1173.

Letters from England written to Richard show that he was in constant touch with English affairs and give evidence of the international character of intellectual life at this time.

In his early writings he relies on the moral interpretations of previous theologians such as Augustine of Hippo, Bede, Pope Gregory I and Hugh.

The Book of the Twelve Patriarchs, sometimes titled Benjamin Minor, is one of Richard of Saint Victor's great works on contemplation.

Richard's theological approach stems from a profoundly mystical life of prayer, which in the Spirit seeks to involve the mind, in continuation with the Augustinian and Anselmian tradition.

[20] Richard wrote a massive handbook of biblical education entitled Liber Exceptionum (Book of Selections/Book of Notes),[21] important scriptural commentaries, and many treatises.

Richard of Saint Victor's Commentary on Ezekiel is of special interest in the field of art history because the explanations laid out by the author are accompanied by illustrations.

[27] What makes Richard of Saint-Victor stand out from other theologians of his time is that he approaches theological problems as more of a psychologist, contributing to 'a careful analysis of contemplative experiences.