FRANCIA, Francesco
(b. 1450, Bologna, d. 1517, Bologna)

Legend of Sts Cecilia and Valerian, Scene 3

1504-06
Fresco
Oratory of St Cecilia, San Giacomo Maggiore, Bologna

Scene 3 of the Cecilia cycle in the Oratory of St Cecilia, painted by an unidentified collaborator of Francesco Francia, depicts the baptism of Valerian. He is baptized by the pope and given a white robe. In the background we see him heading home, accompanied by a female figure, who is provided, like him, a halo.