Baptistery mosaics (Stag)

6e century - 12e century
Stone, terra cotta
Valence, baptistery
AR. 730
Fonds ancien du musée, 1954
© Musée de Valence, photos Paul Vesseyre

Information

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. 


Mosaïques du baptistère (Cerf) ©Paul Veysseyre.

Mosaïques du baptistère (Cerf) ©Paul Veysseyre.

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