Question

Answer the following question in 3-4 complete sentences.

A mosaic of a large cross in a circle. The rest of the scene shows a man with a halo standing in a field with animals and trees. Two figures are shown in the sky.
Name and date this piece of ancient religious art. Describe its religious connection, color, and content.

Answer 1

This is the "Good Shepherd" mosaic from the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, dated to about 425 CE. It is an early Christian image of Christ as the Good Shepherd, a pastoral symbol of Jesus’ care and salvation, and includes a jewelled cross-in-a-wreath (crux gemmata) that proclaims his triumph over death. The mosaic uses rich gold and deep-blue backgrounds with greens, whites and purples for the landscape and garments; it shows a haloed, youthful Christ standing in a field among sheep, trees and other animals while two figures (often read as the personified Sun and Moon or as angels) appear in the sky.