Made by one of Patricia Well's favorite ceramists in Apt, Atelier Bernard, this yellow gravy boat pours sauce through the mouth of a wolf. A fun allusion to 'wolfing down' a meal!
Historically, wolves were common throughout the Provence region and around Mont Ventoux, thriving in these areas due to the abundant forests and rural landscapes that provided ideal habitats.
However, by the 19th and early 20th centuries, wolves in Provence, like many other parts of Europe, faced intense persecution. Driven by the threat they posed to livestock and human safety, widespread hunting and habitat destruction led to a steep decline in their numbers. By the mid-20th century, wolves were virtually eradicated from the landscape of Provence and much of France.
The turning point for wolves in France came with greater environmental awareness and legal protection measures established in the latter part of the 20th century. Wolves gradually began to reappear in France in the 1990s, migrating from Italy through the Alps. Since then, the population has been slowly, yet steadily, increasing. These animals have begun to reestablish themselves in areas like Provence and near Mont Ventoux, although their presence continues to be a contentious issue among local communities, balancing between conservation efforts and concerns over livestock and human safety.
Despite the challenges, the return of wolves to Provence and the Mont Ventoux area represents a significant achievement in wildlife conservation in France.
Approx. overall 4¾" high x 8" x 4"
Approx. overall 12cm high x 20cm x 10cm
