Martyrdom of St. Emilianus
Type:
Sculptures
Date:
Late twelfth century
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Italy
Medium:
Stone
Description:
To create this lively narrative of the life and death of St. Emilianus, the twelfth-century sculptors lined up five ancient Roman columns and recarved them on one side. The martyr Emilianus (d. 302 or 304) was the first bishop and patron saint of Trevi, in Italy. The scenes progress from left to right. After Emilianus refuses to sacrifice to pagan gods, the local Roman ruler has him tortured by flogging and burning, but the torturers' hands freeze and the flames are extinguished. Emilianus is then fed to wild beasts, who kneel before him. Finally, he is tied to an olive tree and beheaded before being raised to Heaven to be judged favorably by Christ.
The relics of Emilianus were rediscovered in the cathedrals of Spoleto in the seventeenth century. An ancient olive tree south of Trevi, recently carbon-dated between 96 BCE and 425 CE, is traditionally regarded as the site of Emilianus's martyrdom.
This work is in the National Museum of the Duchy, Rocca Albornoziana, Spoleto.
The relics of Emilianus were rediscovered in the cathedrals of Spoleto in the seventeenth century. An ancient olive tree south of Trevi, recently carbon-dated between 96 BCE and 425 CE, is traditionally regarded as the site of Emilianus's martyrdom.
This work is in the National Museum of the Duchy, Rocca Albornoziana, Spoleto.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
8
Image Credits:
Linda Safran
