Published in:
01-12-2016 | Endocrinology & Art
Saint Wilgefortis: sudden hirsutism to prevent an unwanted marriage
Published in: Journal of Endocrinological Investigation | Issue 12/2016
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According to legend, Saint Wilgefortis, also known as Saint Ontcommer, was a beautiful Portuguese princess. Her father arranged for her to marry the pagan king of Sicily. Since she had converted to Christianity, she refused and prayed to become ugly. As a result, she suddenly grew a full beard, the Sicilian king repudiated her, and the father was enraged and had her crucified, just like her saviour. Saint Wilgefortis was venerated in Austria, Germany, Northern France and the Low Countries, especially by women who wished to be liberated from abusive husbands. Figure 1 is a reproduction of a fresco in the St. Stevenschurch in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Fig. 1
Saint Wilgefortis
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