Saints accused of embracing Christianity (left panel)
- Artist: Borghese di Piero
- Date: (circa) 1430
- Medium: tempera on panel
- Museum: The Courtauld Gallery
- Collection record: The Courtauld Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the “Saints accused of embracing Christianity (left panel)” by Borghese di Piero, painted around 1430 in tempera on panel. It shows Julitta and her three‑year‑old son, Quiricus, standing before Roman officials who accuse them of Christian faith. Their expressions are a mix of calm defiance and quiet fear, hinting at the gravity of the moment.
The panel is part of a predella for a larger altarpiece devoted to Saint Quiricus. Two other small horizontal panels flank it: the central one captures Quiricus angrily scratching the governor’s face before being thrown to the floor, and the far right panel portrays Julitta’s martyrdom. Together, these three panels tell the complete story—from accusation to suffering—within a tight, intimate composition.
The use of tempera gives the scene a luminous, almost fragile glow that contrasts with the harshness of the narrative. The work is a rare, early example of martyrdom art, offering a poignant glimpse into the trials faced by early Christians.
See it in person
Saints accused of embracing Christianity (left panel) hangs in The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, London. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
