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The
Wolf of Gubbio From the San Sepolcro Altarpiece, 87 x 52.4 cm, by Sassetta, 1437–44 The National Gallery, London |
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One of eight scenes by
Sassetta depicting the life of Saint Francis, created for the back
of the San Sepolcro Altarpiece, this story recounts that around
1220, in the town of Gubbio, a wolf had been terrorising the
community, attacking livestock and threatening lives. Saint Francis
of Assisi, known for his deep compassion toward all creatures,
confronted the animal not with weapons but with peace. He made the
sign of the cross and spoke to the wolf, calling it 'Brother Wolf',
offering forgiveness and sustenance if it ceased its violence. In a
moment that astonished onlookers, the wolf became docile, placing
its paw in Francis’s hand, sealing a pact: the townspeople would
feed the wolf regularly, and in return, it would live peacefully
among them. The wolf was transformed from a feared predator to a
symbol of reconciliation and mercy. |
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