Wolf of Gubbio by Luc-Olivier Merson
The Wolf of Gubbio is an 1877 oil on canvas painting by Luc-Olivier Merson, dedicated to his former student, collaborator and friend Adolphe Giraldon and exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1878. It was acquired by its present owner, the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, in 1881. It is inspired by a legend of Francis of Assisi and the wolf of Gubbio in Italy.
In this 19th-century depiction of Saint Francis taming a wolf, symbolising peace and harmony between humans and nature. The wolf appears lean but far from starving. Around its neck, worn like a collar, are various metallic charms and coins.
The Wolf of Gubbio, is a captivating oil painting by Luc-Oliver Merson that depicts a legendary tale from the medieval town of Gubbio. In this mesmerizing artwork, we are transported to a snowy winter scene where St. Francis stands beside a butcher's shop and an ornate fountain. The focal point of the painting is undoubtedly the majestic wolf standing before St. Francis, who fearlessly extends his hand towards the creature.
The halo above St. Francis' head symbolizes his saintly presence and divine connection with nature. Merson's masterful brushstrokes bring life to every detail in this composition - from the intricate architecture of the buildings to the delicate snowflakes falling gently on the ground. The contrast between warm tones inside the butcher's shop and cool hues outside creates a sense of depth and atmosphere.
The legend behind "The Wolf of Gubbio" tells us that this fearsome beast terrorized the townspeople until it encountered St. Francis, who tamed it through compassion and understanding. This powerful narrative resonates with themes of redemption, harmony, and humanity's relationship with nature. Displayed at Musee des Beaux-Arts in Lille, France, this timeless artwork continues to captivate viewers with its rich symbolism and emotional resonance. Merson's skillful portrayal invites us into a world where legends come alive amidst snowy landscapes – reminding us that even in darkness there can be light.
This image is a public domain image, which means either that copyright has expired in the image or the copyright holder has waived their copyright. Franciscan Gallery charges for the access to high resolution copy of the image. Manually restoration was necessary in order to improve quality, without covering the original image.
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