Born about 656, he was the eldest son of Bertrand, Duke of Aquitaine. As a youth, Hubert went to the court of Neustria, where his agreeable personality won him many friends and led to his being given the title of "Count of the Palace." He loved pleasure and his chief passion was the hunt, to which he devoted nearly all his time.
 
Hubert and some fellow courtiers went to the court of Austrasia and were warmly welcomed by Pepin Heristal, mayor of the palace, who almost immediately made him grand-master of the household. About this time, he married Floribanne, and began to give himself up to the pomp and vanities of court.
 
On Good Friday morning, when the faithful were at church, Hubert instead was pursuing a magnificent stag. Suddenly, the animal turned and Hubert was astounded to perceive a crucifix between its antlers. He heard a voice say, "Hubert, unless thou turnest to the Lord, and leadest a holy life, thou shalt quickly go down into Hell". Hubert dismounted, prostrated himself and said, "Lord, what wouldst Thou have me do?" He received the answer, "Go and seek Lambert, and he will instruct you."
 
Accordingly, he immediately set out for Saint Lambert's diocese, where the bishop kindly received Hubert and became his spiritual director. Hubert lost his wife shortly after, renounced all his honors and his military rank, and gave up his birthright to the Duchy of Aquitaine to his younger brother Eudon, whom he made guardian of his infant son, Floribert.
 
Having distributed all his personal wealth among the poor, he entered upon his studies for the priesthood, and was soon ordained. When Hubert made a pilgrimage to Rome, Lambert was assassinated and the Pope was instructed in a vision to appoint Hubert bishop.
 
Hubert desired so much to become a martyr that he sought it on many occasions, but always unsuccessfully. At the risk of his life Hubert often traveled to the remote places of pagan worship to preach, and finally brought about the abolishment of idol worship in his diocese. On his way to the dedication of a new church he had a vision of his impending death. Once there he preached his farewell sermon, fell sick almost immediately, and in six days died with the words "Our Father, who art in Heaven . . . " on his lips.
 
This print is part of the "Happy Saint" collection by Anna Morelli.
 
The image is professionally printed, hand-signed by the artist, and comes enclosed in a plastic sleeve to ensure protection.