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These concentric circles of small[handwritten: e]r diameter, the four niches and four entrances recall some of the ceiling de-[handwritten: 561] corations of the catacombs at Rome. In a large number of these ceilings, in the innermost circle is depicted Christ shepherd.[handwritten: 562] as the good shepherd shepherd is very near to the concept of the salvation-he saves his sheep from the wolf and thereby symbolically gives eternal life.[handwritten: 563] On the other hand hand, our mosaic recalls the dome mosaic of the baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte in Naples. Here [handwritten: Surrounded by octants]inside an octagonal frame is a circular frame which [handwritten: within this]Inside this circular frame is [handwritten: circle centrally placed] sets off the dome of heaven-indicated by stars. an alpha and omega and a labrum surmounted by a crown or wreath.[handwritten: 564] This wreath with a large precious stone is very similar to the wreath worn by [handwritten: Zwtnpia 565] and must be symbolic, as is probably that of [handwritten: Zwtnpia] , of the immortal crown mentioned by St.Paul[handwritten: 566] and of that placed on the head of those who had been baptized.[handwritten: 567] Prof.E.R. Goodenough comments on this type of ceiling decoration, "The plan of ceiling decoration is one common in the ancient world, both pagan and Christian, a plan which maxim has been conclusively demonstrated to represent heaven. It consists of a central circle with a concentric band about it, supported by designs at the the sides and corners which pull the whole into the square or rectangle of the room. Within this basic plan can be a variety of symbols, but the
65 figures hard to readstruck struck outadded written in above” jug ditto, and what it repeatsword reading not certain