Barlaam's wheel by Cristoforo di Bindoccio and Meo di Pero

The Wheel of Barlaam is a fresco of great ethical significance; it tells the story of Josaphat, a prince who, thanks to the teachings of the hermit Barlaam, decides to renounce the throne and live an ascetic life. Although originally of Buddhist origin, this story was adapted and Christianized in the West, becoming a symbol of the fragility of life and the vanity of earthly pleasures. The painting shows the man struggling against death, with images such as the tree of life and rodents gnawing at its roots, symbolizing the passage of time. The main message is a warning against pride, suggesting that those who rule must be virtuous to avoid ruin.