3-098-939 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The consecration of Saint Ambrose as archbishop, c1673. One of a series on the life and miracles of Saint Ambrose, 4th-century Bishop of Milan and a Father of the Church. After being appointed governor of Liguria and Emilia by Emperor Valentinian, Ambrose travelled to Milan, where he found a city rife with factions and conflicts between Arians and Catholics. Upon the death of Auxentius, bishop and leader of the Arians, the election of a new archbishop was proposed, generating further disputes between the two sides. As governor of the province, Ambrose attempted to mediate and impose peace, but just as he was about to speak, a child's voice was heard saying, "Bishop Ambrose." This event was interpreted as a divine intervention, and it led to the unity of both Arians and Catholics. The emperor heeded the Milanese people's pleas and confirmed the election of Saint Ambrose. On the right is a group of nuns, and behind them a sculptural representation of the Crucifixion. On the left is a Baroque altarpiece, flanked by Solomonic columns and sheltered by a red canopy, depicting the Baptism of Christ. This is probably an allusion to the fact that at the time of his election, Ambrose was not yet a Christian and had to be baptized only eight days before receiving the episcopal mitre.