Ravenna, Italy: Mausoleum of Galla Placidia: North Entrance Lunette of the Good Shepherd 1
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Authors
Sheppard, Beth M.
Issue Date
5/22/2017
Type
Image
Language
Keywords
Italy , Ravenna , Mausoleo di Galla Placidia , Galla Placidia Mausoleum , Mausoleum of Galla Placidia , Good Shepherd in Art , Jesus Christ in Art , Mosaics , Byzantine Art , Moonflowers in Art
Alternative Title
Abstract
Description
"The Good Shepherd" lunette mosaic directly above the entrance to the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia (Galla Placidia Mausoleum; Mausoleum of Galla Placidia) in Ravenna, Italy. The Good Shepherd is a metaphor for Yahweh (God) in the Old Testament, but represents Jesus Christ in the New Testament (John 10:1�21), who lays down his life for his sheep. The placement of this mosaic over the entrance alludes to the concept that only through Christ can we reach eternal peace. The mosaic depicts the Shepherd with a calm, beardless face, wearing a golden tunic and purple mantle, with a large cross and a golden halo. The figure is posed on rocks among six sheep. Above the Good Shepherd is the mosaic decoration of a barrel vault: moonflowers in a deep blue sky.
Citation
Publisher
License
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0