Mosaic of the Good Shepherd

Guida Aquileia

Mosaic of the Good Shepherd


With its carpet of skilfully juxtaposed colored tiles, the Mosaic of the Good Shepherd represents a fine example of Aquileian mosaic art.

Geometric and naturalistic motifs meet on the floor in the apsidal hall north of the CAL Fund, all arranged around the sacred image of the Good Shepherd. Intertwined and zigzag decorations frame figures of fish, ducks, dolphins and peacocks, as well as busts of women and men.

The meaning of Christian symbols has long been attributed to these images. These are actually very widespread topos in the figurative repertoire of the fourth century and not necessarily endowed with a religious connotation.