The energy with which some of the leading theologians of the twelfth century protested against the use of episcopal rings by abbots, merits illustration by an extract from the writings of St. Bernard, who in a tractate addressed to Henri, Archbishop of Sens, writes:[456]
“Several have clearly enough indicated where were their thoughts when, having obtained apostolic privileges by many intrigues and by bribery, they appropriated to themselves and use, in virtue of these concessions, the mitre, the ring and the sandals, just as do the pontiffs themselves.... Oh, Monks, whither will this lead you? Have you banished all fear from your souls? Can the blush of shame no longer rise to your cheeks?”
ABBESS PRAYING. FRENCH SCHOOL
Seal ring on index of right hand; ring with precious stone setting on fourth finger of the same hand
Musée du Louvre
PORTRAIT OF A LADY, BY CONINXBO
Two rings on index of right hand and two on index of left hand; smaller one on fourth finger of left hand
Musée de Bruxelles