The Art
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The frescos were commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII at the request of the college’s rector, Michele Lauretano. Lauretano was a hands-on patron who is credited with the first systematic use of explanatory captions and red block letters within the art to identify specific saints and torments. Different scenes in each painting are marked with red letters that correspond to the captions below. Under each fresco is a plaque with caption written in Latin on the left and Italian on the right. Below is an example for which I have translated the Italian.
In the time of Diocletian and MaximianA) Two young men—out of faith—themselves laid their hands upon the fire.B) Boniface is immersed in a cauldron of boiling pitch;C) Saint Vincent is burned upon a gridiron.D) Saints Primo and Feliciano, after various torments, were thrown to the lions.E) Anastasia, cast into the fire for the sake of the holy faith.F) The Four Crowned Martyrs died for the holy faith.G) Pietro, Marcellino, Senio, and others are beheaded.
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