16th century Italian carved wooden polychromed statue of Saint Francis

This piece was found in France but most probably originated in 16th century Italy.
The piece still displays the beautiful colours of the original polychrome. There are obvious signs of use and wear as you would expect from an item of this age. There is a piece missing from the foot of the statue which most probably represented the animal which is most often found alongside figures of Saint Francis. I

St Francis of Assisi was born in 1181 in Italy and despite his earlier involvement as a soldier during his youth, he underwent a profound transformation that led him to forsake his family’s wealth and commit himself wholly to a spiritual life. His eloquence as a preacher garnered widespread admiration during his era, and his passing in 1226 attracted an immense crowd of three million mourners to his funeral.

St. Francis dedicated a significant portion of his life to preaching about the interconnectedness of all living beings, asserting that every creature is akin to brothers and sisters within the divine order.

In 1979, Pope John Paul II officially designated St. Francis as the Patron Saint of Ecologists. St. Francis of Assisi can be considered a trailblazer in championing environmental causes, akin to a precursor of Earth Day. While his compassion extended to aiding the destitute and infirm, he also delivered numerous sermons addressing the significance of animals. He ardently advocated for the equitable treatment of all inhabitants of Earth, encompassing not only humans but also every creature, united under the divine presence. His sermons encompassed captivating tales about a variety of creatures, including birds, fish, and rabbits.

The Celebration of St. Francis’ Feast is observed on a global scale every October 4th, this Catholic observance is most fervently celebrated in the town of Assisi, Italy, where St. Francis lived and passed away, thereby earning his accolade as the Patron Saint of Ecologists. The festivities commence on October 3rd with the illumination of oil lamps in Assisi, a symbolic gesture to commemorate St. Francis. Subsequent to this, the following day features a host of special religious ceremonies and activities that invite participants from all corners of the globe, extending beyond the confines of Assisi. These events provide an opportunity for pet owners to have their beloved animals blessed. Throughout the week, an array of other festivities unfolds to honour St. Francis’ legacy, encompassing nature excursions and recreational activities for children. The celebration also highlights St. Francis’ dietary preferences, with the inclusion of his favourite honey almond cake.

In an era marked by the pressing issues of poaching, climate change, unsustainable agricultural practices, and widespread deforestation for timber, the wisdom conveyed by St. Francis—now echoed by Pope Francis—retains its resonance. St. Francis’ commitment to safeguarding the environment and its inhabitants remains as relevant today as it was in his time. His mission to raise awareness about environmental issues through his sermons encompasses reforestation efforts, environmental education, climate advocacy, and the preservation of endangered species.