Described by some scholars as the earliest image of the universal mission of Christ to the Gentiles, this very early fresco in the Capella Greca of the Catacomb of Priscilla shows the three magi bringing gifts to a seated ...

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

Fresco of the barrel makers, Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome. Fresco of Coopers marking the cubiculum as a burrying place for the guild of Coopers.

Fresco of Eucharistic meal in the Capella Greca, Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome. The memorial meal at the grave site soon elided into the Eucharist. The fish on the table clearly marks this early image as that of the Eucharist.

The fresco of the Good Shepherd with symbols of Apollo--the greenery and additional animals and birds, Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome. The Good Shepherd was the most popular of all fresco subjects of the Early Church.

Fresco of three men in a fiery furnace. Another symbol of God's protective care of the faithful and a lesson of salvation in the midst of persecution. Capella Greca, Priscilla, Rome.

Woman as the Orantes, Catacomb of Priscilla. In this case a woman is depicted as the orantes (see CAT0029).

Fresco in the catacomb of Priscilla

Sacrifice of Isaac. Abraham (center) with Isaac (right) carrying the wood for the sacrifice, Catacomb of Priscilla, 3rd century, Rome.

Fresco of Susannah and the two accusing elders. The symbol of Susannah communicated God's faithfulness in protecting the righteous from false accusation.

Fresco on an arch of the three magi bearing gifts for the child Jesus. First fresco of Gentiles worshipping the Christ child as a symbol of salvation for all peoples. Capella Greca, Priscilla, Rome.

Close up of Donna Velata.

Close up on mother and child in the arcosolium of Donna Velata, Catacomb of Priscilla. Some scholars argue for a generic mother and child, others argue for Mary & Jesus.

Fresco in the Capella Greca, Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome. Moses brings forth water from the rock as a symbol of baptism for the Early Church.