DOI chapter:
Plate 1-XCIII
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62036#0054
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THE SECOND PERSON OF THE TRINITY REPRESENTED AS THE LAMB.
Fig. 2. and 3. are from the singular series of bas-reliefs in the Catacombs, of which examples have
already been given. In these it is Christ Himself, who is represented under the form of
the Lamb, as performing two of His miracles, the raising of Lazarus, and the multiplying
the loaves. Here there is no attribute to mark the Divine Person; but the acts that
are being performed show that it is Christ who is represented, without any additional
sign. (1.)
4. A very similar example to fig. 1., with the simple Cross instead of the Monogram; also
from a bas-relief of the Catacombs. The Lamb appears standing on a rock or mountain,
on which it was frequently represented. (1.)
5. The idea conveyed by this representation would appear to be rather that of the Good
Shepherd than the Lamb; for it is accompanied by the pastoral staff or crook, with a
vessel attached to it; and the form is also that of the Ram, which was a very unusual
change in the symbol. It is taken from a painting in the Catacombs. (1.)
6. The Lamb with the nimbus containing the Monogram and the Alpha and Omega, standing
on a hill or rock, the “ Mountain of Paradise,” from which flow the four rivers.* From
a bas-relief on a sarcophagus of the Catacombs. (1.)
7. Another variety of the subject, in which its character is marked by the Cross, in form like
that usually borne by Christ in representations of the Resurrection. Also from the
Catacombs, as well as the next example. (1.)
8. In addition to the Shepherd’s vessel, the Lamb carries the palm-branch, a sign of
victory. (1.)
The foregoing examples will serve to show how general this symbol had become, even
amongst the earliest Christians, and in how great a variety of forms they delighted to
represent it. The next examples are taken from the Mosaics of the old Italian Churches,
and offer a few varieties in the mode of rendering it. Some are probably contemporary
with the former illustrations from the Catacombs.
9. One of these Mosaics from the Baptistery of S. Giovanni Laterano, Rome, A. D. 462.
Though encircled by a wreath of leaves, it has no distinguishing mark besides that of the
simple nimbus. (4.)
10. Another example of the Mountain with the Four Rivers, on which the Lamb is standing,
sculptured on the tomb of Constantius, the husband of the Empress Galla Placidia, in
the Sepulchral Chapel of SS. Nazario e Celso, Ravenna, in the 5th century. (4.)
11. From a Mosaic in the Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, 6th century. The circle which
encloses the Lamb is adorned with stars. (4.)
12. Another variety in the manner of representing the Lamb, is shown in this example. From
a Mosaic in the Church of S. Cosmo and S. Damian, Rome, 6th century, in which it is
lying upon the altar of sacrifice. (4.)
13. From a Mosaic in the same Church. Another instance of the Lamb standing on the
Mountain of Paradise. (4.)
14. and 15. From Mosaics in the Church of S. Lorenzo, Rome, 6th century. In the second
example the Lamb bears the Cup as well as the Cross. (4.)
16. An example of the crossed nimbus. From sculpture on the exterior of the Church of
S. Pudentiana, Rome, 8th century. (4.)
For the explanation of this symbol, see Pl. xliv., on the Four Evangelists.
THE SECOND PERSON OF THE TRINITY REPRESENTED AS THE LAMB.
Fig. 2. and 3. are from the singular series of bas-reliefs in the Catacombs, of which examples have
already been given. In these it is Christ Himself, who is represented under the form of
the Lamb, as performing two of His miracles, the raising of Lazarus, and the multiplying
the loaves. Here there is no attribute to mark the Divine Person; but the acts that
are being performed show that it is Christ who is represented, without any additional
sign. (1.)
4. A very similar example to fig. 1., with the simple Cross instead of the Monogram; also
from a bas-relief of the Catacombs. The Lamb appears standing on a rock or mountain,
on which it was frequently represented. (1.)
5. The idea conveyed by this representation would appear to be rather that of the Good
Shepherd than the Lamb; for it is accompanied by the pastoral staff or crook, with a
vessel attached to it; and the form is also that of the Ram, which was a very unusual
change in the symbol. It is taken from a painting in the Catacombs. (1.)
6. The Lamb with the nimbus containing the Monogram and the Alpha and Omega, standing
on a hill or rock, the “ Mountain of Paradise,” from which flow the four rivers.* From
a bas-relief on a sarcophagus of the Catacombs. (1.)
7. Another variety of the subject, in which its character is marked by the Cross, in form like
that usually borne by Christ in representations of the Resurrection. Also from the
Catacombs, as well as the next example. (1.)
8. In addition to the Shepherd’s vessel, the Lamb carries the palm-branch, a sign of
victory. (1.)
The foregoing examples will serve to show how general this symbol had become, even
amongst the earliest Christians, and in how great a variety of forms they delighted to
represent it. The next examples are taken from the Mosaics of the old Italian Churches,
and offer a few varieties in the mode of rendering it. Some are probably contemporary
with the former illustrations from the Catacombs.
9. One of these Mosaics from the Baptistery of S. Giovanni Laterano, Rome, A. D. 462.
Though encircled by a wreath of leaves, it has no distinguishing mark besides that of the
simple nimbus. (4.)
10. Another example of the Mountain with the Four Rivers, on which the Lamb is standing,
sculptured on the tomb of Constantius, the husband of the Empress Galla Placidia, in
the Sepulchral Chapel of SS. Nazario e Celso, Ravenna, in the 5th century. (4.)
11. From a Mosaic in the Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, 6th century. The circle which
encloses the Lamb is adorned with stars. (4.)
12. Another variety in the manner of representing the Lamb, is shown in this example. From
a Mosaic in the Church of S. Cosmo and S. Damian, Rome, 6th century, in which it is
lying upon the altar of sacrifice. (4.)
13. From a Mosaic in the same Church. Another instance of the Lamb standing on the
Mountain of Paradise. (4.)
14. and 15. From Mosaics in the Church of S. Lorenzo, Rome, 6th century. In the second
example the Lamb bears the Cup as well as the Cross. (4.)
16. An example of the crossed nimbus. From sculpture on the exterior of the Church of
S. Pudentiana, Rome, 8th century. (4.)
For the explanation of this symbol, see Pl. xliv., on the Four Evangelists.