How does Saint Januarius in the Amphitheatre at Pozzuoli elucidate its Story?
Januarius was an early Christian from the third and fourth centuries. He was made Bishop of Naples (where he is still the patron saint) and his protection of Christians raised the ire of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. According to his hagiographers, Januarius was arrested and then survived various attempts to kill him. Gentileschi here portrays one of those attempts when the saint was thrown into the amphitheatre in Pozzuoli. Diocletian expected him to be attacked by the wild animals, but Gentileschi illustrates the moment that the lion and bear are tamed, and with great docility show their obedience to the Bishop. The figure kneeling at the bottom left is Proculus, the deacon of Pozzuoli, who like Januarius would also be martyred.
Bishop Proculus Naples patron saint Pozzuoli Diocletian amphitheatre Januarius