THE OBSCURATION TO THE NUCLEUS OF IC-5063

We interpret the data on the nearby active galaxy IC 5063 (PKS 2048-57 ) within the framework of an obscured quasar, as proposed by current u nified schemes for active galactic nuclei (AGN). We apply new techniqu es to estimate the reddening towards the nucleus of obscured AGN, base d on infrared photometry and line-to-continuum correlations, and concl ude that the previously claimed detections of the transmitted quasar c ontinuum in the H and K bands are probably due to the presence of fore ground dust, which results in reddening of the starlight within small apertures. From the data available on this object and established corr elations between quasar properties, we deduce the amount of visual obs curation towards the active nucleus in IC 5063 to be in the range A(V) = 65-105 mag.