Most of the single figures of St. Ambrose represent him in his most
popular character, that of the stem adversary of the Arians. I remember
(in the Frari at Venice) a picture in which St. Ambrose in his episcopal
robes is mounted on a white charger, and flourishing on high his trij)le
scourge. The Arians are trampled under his feet, or fly before him. I
have seen an old print, in which he is represented with a short grey
beard, stern countenance, and wearing the bishop's mitre : underneath
is the inscription *^ Antiquis ejus imaginibus Mediolani olim depictis ad
vivum expressa ; " but it seems certain that no authentic portrait of him
exists..
VOL. I. R R



S06 8ACBED AND LEGENDARY AET.
