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E05765: Latin inscription in mosaic in the apse of the church of S. Agnese fuori le mura on the via Nomentana, Rome, built by Pope Honorius I (625-638). The inscribed poem praises the beauty of the scene depicted above: the crowning by God of *Agnes (virgin and martyr of Rome, S00097) with a martyr's crown, and the offering of the basilica to her by Honorius. An inscription on the same mosaic labels the image of Agnes.
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posted on 2018-06-18, 00:00 authored by pnowakowskiThe inscription, divided into three columns, is on the mosaic of the apse, in its lower register; above is the image of Agnes, flanked by Pope Honorius, offering her the basilica, and a cleric holding a book:
+ aurea concisis surgit pictura metallis
et conplexa simul clauditur ipsa dies,
fontibus e niveis credas aurora subire
correptas nubes, roribus arva rigans,
vel qualem inter sidera lucem proferet irim
purpureusque pavo ipse colore nitens.
qui potuit noctis vel lucis reddere finem
martyrum e bustis hinc reppulit ille chaos.
sursum versa nutu quod cunctis cernitur uno
praesul Honorius haec vota dicata dedit.
vestibus et factis signantur, illius ora
lucet, et aspectu lucida corda gerens
3. read auroram Ferrua || 4. read rigantem Ferrua: these readings slightly alter the translation of verses 3 and 4 compared with the one we present below. For other altered readings, see the lemma in ICVR, n.s., VIII, no. 20757
'You see how the golden picture rises from precious tesserae, as though daylight is enclosed in its clasp. You would think that the clouds rose up, hastened at dawn from snowy sources, and [daylight] scattered the fields with dew or the purple peacock, shining with its own colour, displayed its light like the rainbow through the stars. He who can give an end to nights or lights, from here has repulsed chaos from the tombs of the martyrs. What each sees with a single upward glance, these beautiful votive offerings, the prelate Honorius gave. By clothes and deeds he is marked, the edge of his [garment] shines, bearing the aspect of bright hearts.'
The figure of Agnes, shown in the mosaic above, is labelled above her head:
s̅(an)c̅(t)a̅ Agnes / 'Saint Agnes'
Text: ICVR, n.s., VIII, no. 20757 = EDB9577 and EDB41685. For the translation (here lightly modified), see Bibliography.
+ aurea concisis surgit pictura metallis
et conplexa simul clauditur ipsa dies,
fontibus e niveis credas aurora subire
correptas nubes, roribus arva rigans,
vel qualem inter sidera lucem proferet irim
purpureusque pavo ipse colore nitens.
qui potuit noctis vel lucis reddere finem
martyrum e bustis hinc reppulit ille chaos.
sursum versa nutu quod cunctis cernitur uno
praesul Honorius haec vota dicata dedit.
vestibus et factis signantur, illius ora
lucet, et aspectu lucida corda gerens
3. read auroram Ferrua || 4. read rigantem Ferrua: these readings slightly alter the translation of verses 3 and 4 compared with the one we present below. For other altered readings, see the lemma in ICVR, n.s., VIII, no. 20757
'You see how the golden picture rises from precious tesserae, as though daylight is enclosed in its clasp. You would think that the clouds rose up, hastened at dawn from snowy sources, and [daylight] scattered the fields with dew or the purple peacock, shining with its own colour, displayed its light like the rainbow through the stars. He who can give an end to nights or lights, from here has repulsed chaos from the tombs of the martyrs. What each sees with a single upward glance, these beautiful votive offerings, the prelate Honorius gave. By clothes and deeds he is marked, the edge of his [garment] shines, bearing the aspect of bright hearts.'
The figure of Agnes, shown in the mosaic above, is labelled above her head:
s̅(an)c̅(t)a̅ Agnes / 'Saint Agnes'
Text: ICVR, n.s., VIII, no. 20757 = EDB9577 and EDB41685. For the translation (here lightly modified), see Bibliography.
History
Evidence ID
E05765Saint Name
Agnes, virgin and martyr of Rome : S00097 Martyrs, unnamed or name lost : S00060Saint Name in Source
Agnes martyresRelated Saint Records
Type of Evidence
Inscriptions - Formal inscriptions (stone, mosaic, etc.) Images and objects - Narrative scenes Images and objects - Wall paintings and mosaics Literary - Poems Archaeological and architectural - Cult buildings (churches, mausolea)Language
- Latin
Evidence not before
625Evidence not after
638Activity not before
625Activity not after
638Place of Evidence - Region
Rome and regionPlace of Evidence - City, village, etc
Suburban catacombs and cemeteriesPlace of evidence - City name in other Language(s)
Suburban catacombs and cemeteries Rome Rome Roma Ῥώμη RhōmēCult activities - Places
Cult building - independent (church)Cult activities - Non Liturgical Practices and Customs
Bequests, donations, gifts and offeringsCult activities - Use of Images
- Public display of an image