The Wolf of Agubbio 1877

Luc-Olivier Merson painted ‘The Wolf of Agubbio’ using traditional oil paints and canvas, a world away from our contemporary digital tools. But don’t let this fool you into thinking that this means it’s an ‘old fashioned’ painting. Merson, a 19th-century artist, was deeply engaged with the social realities of his time, and this painting reflects that. See how he's captured the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the vendor, the beggars, the local market with its hanging meats. It brings attention to the work and labor needed to make society function. Look at the texture he’s achieved with his brushstrokes, creating depth, and bringing a raw, unpolished energy to the painting. It's not just about what is depicted, but how it is depicted. This is a snapshot of daily life, with laborers visible in the background. This painting encourages us to think beyond the surface, recognizing the value of labor and the often-unseen processes that shape our world.