St. Mark Cures the Leper Ataulfus and Baptizes Him
Circa 1180
Fresco
Crypt of Aquileia Basilica
Appropriately for both the literal and spiritual dimensions of this work, Ataulfus's skin is spotted on the left but clear on the right. On the far left, the baptism is attended by the young man's father Ulphius and his family. The peacocks on the panel below the window are a common symbol of the rebirth and immortality.
Despite his ordination by St. Peter, who gave him a crozier in the previous fresco in this series, Mark wears the Roman-style garments seen in images of apostles rather than episcopal vestments.
According to Tavano (197), opinions range widely as to when in the 12th century the crypt frescos should be dated, but most agree on a date around 1180.
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Photographed at the basilica by Richard Stracke, shared under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license.