Donation of Constantine-Baptism and cure C016 / 8787
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Donation of Constantine-Baptism and cure C016 / 8787
Pope Sylvester baptises Constantine by immersion, having miraculously cured him from leprosy. One of the cycle of 13th century frescoes in the basilica S.S. Quattro Coronati Rome, purporting to illustrate a decree issued by Constantine in the 4th century, which, after recording his conversion to Christianity, supposedly conferred his temporal powers to the pope and bequeathed Rome and the western part of the Roman Empire to the bishop of Rome and his successors. In the 15th century this document was exposed as one of the great forgeries of the Middle Ages. It probably dates from the 8th century, but it was often cited in the conflicts between the papacy and the secular powers of the 11th and 12th centuries
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9244379
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Constantine Cure Cycle Emperor Forgery Fraudulent Fresco Healing Hoax Leprosy Roman Empire Rome Baptism Decree Immersion Miracle Miracles Miraculous Sylvester
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history, depicting the "Donation of Constantine-Baptism and cure C016 / 8787". The artwork is part of a cycle of 13th-century frescoes found in the basilica S. S. Quattro Coronati in Rome. The scene portrays Pope Sylvester baptizing Emperor Constantine by immersion, symbolizing his miraculous cure from leprosy. However, this fresco holds more than just artistic value; it represents an intriguing historical deception. In the 4th century decree depicted here, Constantine supposedly granted his temporal powers to the pope and bequeathed Rome and the western part of the Roman Empire to the bishop of Rome and his successors. This document was later exposed as one of the great forgeries of the Middle Ages during the 15th century. The fraudulent nature of this alleged donation did not diminish its impact on medieval conflicts between papal authority and secular powers. Despite dating back to around the 8th century, it played a prominent role in disputes throughout the 11th and 12th centuries. As we admire this remarkable work, let us reflect on how art can both inspire awe through its beauty while also revealing fascinating aspects of our complex history. It serves as a reminder that even within masterpieces lies untold stories waiting to be uncovered – tales woven with elements like miracles, baptism, forgery, deceitful intentions, and ultimately challenging our understanding of power dynamics within ancient empires such as Rome's.
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