The Nativity. Sinai, 7 c

Daniel and the Lions. Rome, 2-3 c

Fresco at the Catacomb of Saints Marcellinus and Peter - Rome, Via Labicana... So, too, the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den: the wicked authorities persecuting the innocent believers whose only power was their faith in God and his promise to His people... Even the orant pose that Daniel assumes links his persecution and salvation to those of the Christians.

(http://campus.belmont.edu/honors/catacombs/catacombs.htm)

Ss. Paul, Peter, Nicholas, and John Chrysostomos 7 c

40 x 13 cm. Encaustic. Sinai.
These two outer leaves of a triptych are joined by a wooden strip at the top. The Apostles reverse the colors of their tunics and mantles; Paul carries a book, and Peter a scroll, possibly a reference to the traditio legis. Bishops Nicholas and John wear the omophorion and carry books.