The Wolf of Gubbio Luc Olivier Merson (1846-1920)
Luc Olivier Merson – The Wolf of Gubbio
1877
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Painter: Luc Olivier Merson
Location: Fine Art Museum (Musée des Beaux Arts), Lille.
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The people of Gubbio no longer dared to venture out into the streets. As evening approached, they sought refuge in their homes, huddling fearfully deeper into their beds, waiting for dawn to finally dispel their nightmares. When the sun rose high, they would venture out onto the narrow streets that wound upwards towards the slope of Mount Igino. Immediately, a crowd would gather, and there was no other topic for gossip among the townspeople than the gruesome deeds of the man-eating wolf.
Indeed, for how long had the wolf been terrorizing the surrounding settlements? The wolf was enormous, and he had committed so many evil and bloody acts that no one dared to go out to work in the fields. Crops were rotting in the ground, animals refused to leave their stalls or sheepfolds. And the entire region, once so fertile, grew poorer with each passing day. The situation in Gubbio resembled a siege: the inhabitants, confined within the city walls and cut off from the outside world, feared that they would soon run out of food. However many times the townspeople tried to kill the monster, the wolf was invulnerable, so the men eventually gave up all hope, while the women began to pray to God, begging him to deliver them from this terrible affliction.
Not far from Gubbio, in Assisi, lived a man who had charmed his friends and disarmed his enemies since childhood with nothing but a smile and charm. He devoted himself to serving Christ, striving to bring hope and joy back into the lives of those who suffered. The terrifying news about the wolf of Gubbio reached him as well, and he felt it was his duty to free the inhabitants of these places from the fear that caused them so much suffering. This man was called Francis Bernardone, but everyone knew him by the name of Brother Francis.
...
Just a few steps separated the man from the beast. The wolf approached Francis, who stood motionless like a statue. And then a miracle occurred: the terrifying creature sat at the mans feet and, as a sign of submission, offered him his paw.
When the people of Gubbio saw that Francis and his companion were returning together with the wolf, who followed them meekly, like a dog, they could not believe their eyes. And even less did they believe their ears when Francis asked them to feed this beast from now on, which would never do harm to anyone again. Nevertheless, Francis managed to convince the people, and the fearsome wolf of Gubbio lived peacefully in the small town for the rest of his days, humbly collecting offerings at each house to sustain himself.
Source: arcticwolf.narod.ru
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The artist has populated the scene with numerous figures, each contributing to a narrative of communal life under duress. To the left, within an arched doorway, a butcher hangs meat, attended by a young boy who appears eager to participate in the trade. The abundance of meat contrasts sharply with the evident poverty and hardship visible elsewhere.
Further along, near what seems to be a public fountain, a group of figures huddle together – some cloaked and seemingly impoverished, others observing from a distance. Their expressions convey a mixture of apprehension and curiosity regarding the central womans presence. A scattering of birds pecks at the snow around the fountain, adding a touch of naturalism to the otherwise human-centered drama.
The architecture itself is significant. The crumbling stone buildings suggest a history marked by both grandeur and decay. The archways frame glimpses into deeper recesses of the town, hinting at a larger community beyond what is immediately visible. A statue perched atop one building adds an element of classical influence to the medieval setting.
Subtleties in color and light further enrich the work. The cool tones of the snow are punctuated by the warm hues of the woman’s clothing and the red accents on some of the figures garments, drawing attention to key elements within the composition. The play of light across the snowy ground creates a sense of depth and texture, while also highlighting the stark contrast between those who have and those who lack.
The scene seems to depict a moment of intervention or resolution – the woman’s purposeful advance suggests she is an agent of change, perhaps bringing aid or enacting some form of justice within this struggling community. The presence of the dog reinforces her role as a protector or guide. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of social tension and hope amidst hardship, inviting contemplation on themes of compassion, responsibility, and the enduring spirit of humanity.