Verona, San Zeno, bronze doors, St. Zeno and Emperor Gallienus
This is one of four scenes on the twelfth-century bronze doors of San Zeno showing an episode from the saint’s legend. Here, the Emperor Gallienus gives thanks to Bishop Zeno for the exorcism of his daughter. In fact, the legend confuses two historical periods: Zeno was bishop of Verona from 361 to 372 and a collection of his homilies – perhaps the earliest Latin collection -- survives; the Emperor Gallienus ruled a century earlier, as co-emperor with his father Valerian from 254 to 260 and as sole emperor from 260 to 268.
The figure of the bare-headed emperor holding his crown before the bishop would have been seen in the twelfth century as an image of the “proper” relationship of secular and religious authorities.
D'Emilio photo archive no. s19772905_982uGalleries:Christian Sculpture, Doors, San Zeno Maggiore, Verona, St. Zeno of VeronaKeywords:Gallienus, St. Zeno, bishop, crown, crozier, emperor, mitrePhotographer: Dr. James D’EmilioDate of Photo:Device Make: NikonDevice Model: Nikon SUPER COOLSCAN 5000 EDOriginal Dimensions: 5253×3538Picture Orientation: LandscapeGPS Coordinates:Picture Number: 22081
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