Frescoes in the Oratory Suardi in Trescore, scene of the blessing of St. Brigid of Kildare 1524

This fresco, by Lorenzo Lotto, depicts the blessing of Saint Brigid of Kildare. Notice how Brigid is pictured amongst sheep, symbols of gentleness and guidance, which traditionally represent the faithful, and Christ as the Good Shepherd. But observe the wild boar charging across the scene. This creature, embodying primal, untamed energy, clashes strikingly with Brigid's blessing. It evokes images of the Calydonian Boar hunt of ancient Greece, where the wild boar symbolized untamed nature. This motif echoes through time, appearing in medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings, always carrying its charge of ferocity. The wild boar might represent inner conflict and suppressed desires. Such stark juxtapositions tap into our collective memory, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level, inviting us to recognize and confront our own internal struggles. Through art, these powerful symbols are not merely repeated, but continually re-evaluated, reflecting the ever-changing dynamics of the human experience.