Does anybody know this fresco?

[cunctator]

The accompanying text says it's from the Crypta Afreschi in Aquileia. Does anybody here knows more about it, especially it's age?

[edyzmedieval]

From what I remember, Odovacar and his heruls conquered Aquileia after a long siege. It might represent that, because heruls had bows and horses.

[Aenlic]

I don't know if Odovacer attacked Aquileia, but Attila certainly did, in 452 - sacked and burned it. So, I'd guess it to be a depiction of a Hun shooting at a Roman lancer. Then again, it could be Hun or Ostrogoth or Visigoth or Vandal, all of whom came through the area over the course of the late 4th and into the 5th century. It could even be a Marcomanni warrior, since they attacked Aquileia in 167 or so. Or perhaps a Lombard from the 6th century.

[Idomeneas]

the shield looks Norman to me so it may be something from early crusades. Plus there are stirups attached to the sadle

[Kraxis]

The eye of the lancer certainly has a similarity to certain medieval depictions (the brow high over the eye, making the person look half surprised half concerned).

[rotorgun]

While I was unable to find any direct information about this particular Mural, if it was from the Crypt in Aquileia, it had to be done in about the 12th century. There was a monk who appearantly painted numerous murals in the Crypt as a pious act. I was unable to track it down, but there are some good (and expensive) books availabel about the artwork of the Aquilean Crypt. It is definately a crusader knight chasing after a fleeing Muslim horse archer. From the looks of the arms and armor it is probably from an early crusade. Perhaps about 1099 or prior. Perhaps the painting was begun by one of the monk/warriors that were so prevelant during that time?

I have an old book somewhere around about the crusades. I'll see if I can find out more about it. It looks familar to me somehow. Where did you find it? It sure is a beauty.