AQUILEIA

PATRIMONIO DELL'UMANITÀ

venerdì 29 marzo 2024

Mosaic of the Good Shepherd in unusual costume

Mosaico del Buon Pastore dall'abito singolare, Fondo Cossar, Area Archeologica Aquileia | Foto: © Gianluca Baronchelli
The mosaic of the "Good Shepherd in a singular dress" decorated a large representative room located north of the Domus of Tito Macro.

In a frame with arches, the figure of the shepherd, depicted with the typical stick and portrait with the sheep behind him, is inserted within a circle. The surrounding space is decorated with vine shoots and figures of pheasants and peacocks. At the four corners appear the figures of the Four Seasons.

The meaning of Christian symbols has long been attributed to these images. In reality, these are figurative themes very widespread in the artistic culture of the IV Century and not necessarily endowed with a religious connotation.
The mosaic, recently restored, is now temporarily placed in the Meizlik Palace and it is possible to admire it during the frequent exhibitions that are set up.