6e century - 12e century
Stone, terra cotta
Valence, baptistery
AR. 730
Fonds ancien du musée, 1954
© Musée de Valence, photos Paul Vesseyre
The principal scene common to both panels shows deer drinking at the four rivers of Paradise. In the right corner a lamb(?) can be seen being carried off by a bird whose form and colours are reminiscent of an eagle. Two small birds, probably crows, frame the scene. In the opposite corner, an eagle comes to the rescue of a hare (the catechumen) being attacked by a crow. Thematically, the deer mosaic evokes the sanctifying waters of baptism, the Resurrection, and eternal life.