However, the earliest known representations reflect the roman shepherd in style, pose and attributes, the assimilation, within fifty years, of the closely allied personage of Orpheus would indicate either that a Christian ...

Balaam is pointing to the star above Mary's head, Catacomb of Priscilla. A reference to Numbers 24:17.

Inscription reads "Stir up in me peace" and the skull and bones of the deceased still present. The fish on the eucharistic table may be a reference to the acrostic for Jesus Christ God's Son Savior, or a reference to Acts ...

Decoration surrounding the portrait of the deceased. (Detail of CAT0066)

Another fresco with perspective.

Lower range continued. The fresco by Botticelli, The Punishment of Korah, containing the Arch of Constantine in the background. On the right the Septizonium, still standing at the time of Botticelli.

Poignant potrait of a beautiful young Dionysas who died in the peace of Christ. (Detail of CAT0066)

As for the charge of idolatry this representative of humanitas was not seen as an idol but rather as a symbol. In Christian literature God's love was portrayed in the symbol of the shepherd of the psalms while Christ ...

Decorated wall in the Villa Giulia.