File:History of Rome and the Popes in the Middle Ages (1911) (14760044001).jpg

Identifier: historyofromepop01gris (find matches)
Title: History of Rome and the Popes in the Middle Ages
Year: 1911 (1910s)
Authors: Grisar, Hartmann, 1845-1932
Subjects: Papacy
Publisher: London, Paul
Contributing Library: Robarts - University of Toronto
Digitizing Sponsor: University of Toronto

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he NewBirth. Below may be seen the Jordan, the river of baptism andof grace; and on the lowest border are the twelve lambs, theApostles, or the Faithful, coming from the cities of Bethlehem andJerusalem to the Lamb of God. The latter stands upon aflattened hillock bordered with gold stripes, whence issue thefour streams, the mystic, life-giving waters of Paradise. For-merly, at the top of the picture, the hand of God appeared fromheaven, holding the crown of glory and of victory over the headof Christ. Above this again, outside the concha of the apse, theflat surface of the wall above the arch still shows the pictureadded by Felix IV., and representing in an apocalyptic guise theAbode of the Blest, into which the two martyrs had entered. \The seven mystic lamps surround the Lamb of God enthronedupon an altar, and four angels, classical airy figures, appear beforeHim ready for worship or service. The four evangelists, withtheir symbols (now scarcely visible), proclaim that the Lamb has
Text Appearing After Image:
111. 54.—St. Peter and St. Cosmas.(Roman Mosaic executed during the Gothic domination.) no.i63) SS. COSMAS AND DAMIAN 235 brought the Truth into the world. Still lower, to the right andleft, were grouped the Elders of the Apocalypse. Clothed inimposing white raiment, and offering their crowns, they unitewith the angels and evangelists in endless praise of the Godheadof the Lamb. What a world of symbolism to express a single idea! Fora Christian of the time, lost in the study of this impressivepicture, what a striking contrast between the grave calm ofthese heavenly forms and the old-time, worldly, heathen splen-dour of the Forum outside the threshold. The whole period,and Romes own trials in particular, must have moved even acasual visitor to reflect. In this hall—so near to the* scene of theworlds grandest pomps, before whose doors victors of nationshad swept past in triumph—the grave and mighty Judge of theworld, depicted on the mosaic, has found a worthy place. Itis a symbol

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