Four Scenes from the Early Life of Saint Zenobius

This painting and 'Three Miracles of Saint Zenobius' are from a series illustrating the life of the 5th-century bishop Zenobius, one of Florence's patron saints, perhaps made as domestic decorations for a patrician family (two other panels from the series survive).

The panels illustrate episodes from Fra Clemente Mazza's 'Life of Saint Zenobius', first printed in 1487. Saint Zenobius renounces his intended bride; he is baptized by Saint Theodosius, Bishop of Florence; his mother is baptized; he is consecrated Bishop of Florence by the Pope.