Saint William of Gellone

Catholic icon of Saint William of Gellone on thick plywood 20mm, which does not sting and keeps its shape over time. Preparation with acrylic stucco and have been used acrylic colors. It has been covered with varnish to keep the colors undiluted in time and humidity. Hanging clip included on the back of the icon. 

St. William was born in 755 into the ruling families of France. His father was Thierry IV, the Count of Autun and Toulouse. His mother, Aldana, was the daughter of Charles Martel, thus, making him a cousin of Charlemagne. William spent much of his youth at the court of Charlemagne. In 790, William was made Count of Toulouse, a title he held until 811, and was charged with the care of Louis the Pious, the son of Charlemagne. In 793, William led the defense against, and defeat of, Hisham I at Orange who was conducting a holy war against the Christians of Asturias and Languedoc. Later, Count William met the Muslim forces again at Villedaigne where he stopped their advance but could not force the Muslims from Narbonne. In 803, William established the monastery of Gellone near Lodève in southern France. Count William placed his monastery under the direction of Benedict of Aniane, a Benedictine monk and monastic reformer. In 806, he became a monk  and retired to his monastery of Gellone. There he remained until his death on May 28, 812. His feast day is on May 28.