Small Carved Wooden Statue Of The Breton Saint Saint-hervé, Wolf, Brittany, 19th Century

Small carved wooden statue representing the Breton saint Saint Hervé* in bishop's robes holding his crozier, accompanied by his wolf lying at his feet, dating from the 19th century. This statue is in good overall condition. Note: some damage, cracks, old wormholes, and wear consistent with age, see photos. *Saint Hervé (died around 568) is a Breton saint. This Catholic and Orthodox saint from the time of the Breton emigration to Armorica appears in the Vita Hervei, a late 13th-century narrative which is one of many examples of Breton hagiographic literature. A healing saint, he is celebrated on June 17th in churches and chapels, mainly in Lower Brittany, where his pardon (pilgrimage) takes place. A blind hermit and musician, he is said to have worked for the education of children and the shelter of the poor on Menez Bré. Legend recounts that the dog with which Hervé was guided was eaten by a wolf; the saint then compelled the wolf to replace it. This is why, at Trédaniel, Saint Hervé is depicted holding a wolf on a leash and is invoked especially by the people living near the forests to protect their flocks, receiving wool in gratitude. Saint Hervé is the patron saint of Breton bards. He is invoked for eye ailments, the healing of fears, anxieties, and nervous depression, to ward off demons, and to protect horses. Dimensions: Height 39.8 cm, Base 13.5 cm x 8 cm, D10 133. All photos are available at: www.antiques-delaval.com