Pudentiana and Praxedes in frieze
Pudentiana and Praxedes carved into frieze above entrance to Church of Pudentiana
Pudentiana and Praxedes in frieze
VM number: 0018
Description: Frieze in pediment above main door; both sisters Pudenziana (left) and Praxedes (right) wearing crowns. Between them, the image of a lamb wearing crown with cross behind, the symbol of Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God.
Century: 11th century
Photographer: Shala Graham
Date Taken: December 31, 2022
Location: Basilica di Santa Pudenziana (Basilica of S. Pudenziana)
Art Commentary: On the frieze, Praxedes and Pudentiana are memorialized with the prominent men associated with the history of the basilica, Pudens, possibly their father or grandfather, and Pastor, the elder who assisted the sisters with the legalities of obtaining the land their father left to them. The center image of Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God, is bracketed by Pudentiana (left) and Praxedes (right), who face outward on either side. At far left is Saint Pastor, the author of their story recorded in Acta Sanctorum, and at far right Pudens, on whose ancient home the basilica was built.
