Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence

On the north-east corner of the capital a crowned figure is sitting with crossed legs. He could be the emperor Decius, according to the Passio Polychronii. But according to another hagiographical source that refers more closely to the historical context of the martyr Lawrence and the year AD 259 in which he died, the figure in question could be the Roman governor in office under the emperor Valerian.
This figure of a ruler orders the execution of the sentence and the seizure of the tonsured Saint, who is dressed in a short tunic, and whose arm is firmly grasped by the executioner. At the same time he points to the consecutive scene of the martyr being tortured, which is represented on the east side.
Stripped of his clothes, Lawrence lies on the gridiron and points to the three executioners who stand behind him. One of them rakes the fire, the other two torture Lawrence with their tongs. The Saint’s gesture could refer to his ironic request: “Let me turn round, on this side I am roasted enough.”
The Roman ruler is once more represented at Lawrence’s feet. Followed by a soldier with shield and sword he stands behind one of the henchmen and observes the event.

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