it was originally part of a fresco on the internal facade of the east gate of parma, known as the san michele gate and the start of the route to reggio emilia. it was seen there and praised by vasari. when the walls were upgraded pope paul iii in 1555, the gatehouse was demolished and the fresco was detached from the wall and moved to the neighbouring oratory of santa maria della scala, named since it could only be accessed by one staircase.