Francis of Assisi composed the "Canticle of the Sun" in 1224/25 at the end of his life. Its authenticity is attested by Thomas of Celano. Dictated by Francis in Old Italian, the Canticle is considered one of the beginnings of Italian literature. It praises the beauty of creation. While the focus is on creation, the song ultimately addresses God the Creator with praise and gratitude. Thus, the Canticle points to the deepest reason for the preservation of the Earth—essentially a Christian ecology. Marie Malherbe, with her inspired illustrations, creates an echo of the poetry of a text that can be discovered here in its original language and in German translation.