The Agnus Dei or Lamb of God symbol, typically shows a lamb, holding a cross
or a flag. The Agnus Dei probably goes back to 5th century Rome. Discs of wax
imprinted with the lamb, blessed by the Pope, were used from the ninth century,
and probably earlier.
One of the few Christian symbols dating from the first century is that of the
Good Shepherd carrying on His shoulders a lamb or a sheep, with two other sheep
at his side. Between the first and the fourth century eighty-eight frescoes of
this type were depicted in the Roman catacombs.
In the Agnus Dei symbol, the lamb was used to symbolize innocence and was
also a sacrificial animal. the Agnus Dei, or Lamb of God, is an ancient
symbol of Christ and His sacrifice. The cross stands for Christ's victory
over sin and death. Biblical references include John 1:29 and Revelation 14. In
ancient examples of the Agnus Dei may be seen lying upon the Book of Seven Seals
or carrying the Banner of Victory. It must be crowned with a three-rayed nimbus
or halo, signifying that it is a symbol of divinity. In other examples the Lamb
stands upon a hill from which flow the Four Rivers of Paradise, signifying the
Four Gospels.
In Christian symbolism, the lamb represents Jesus, "the lamb of God."
Standing with a banner, the lamb represents the risen Christ triumphant over
death. Standing with a cross and a gash in its side, it symbolizes the passion
of Christ. Seated on a throne or a book, the lamb represents the judgment of
Christ. Because the lamb is humble, gentle, and innocent, lambs are often
engraved on the tombstones of children.
Francisco de Zurbarán, (Spanish painter, 1598-1664)
Agnus Dei (1635-40), bound lamb with horns. Canvas 38 x 62
cm. Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid.
Agnus Dei
(1638), bound lamb without horns, but with halo, 14 x 20 1/2
inches (35.6 x 52 cm).Oil on canvas, San Diego Museum of Art.
Find in Artist index under Zurbarán.
Sculpture, carving of Lamb of God
Ivory Plaque with Agnus Dei on a cross between emblems of
the Four Evangelists, probably 9th century German or North
Italian, Ivory; 9 1/4 x 5 3/8 in. (23.5 x 13.7 cm),
Metropolitan Museum, New York
Lamb
of God Bas-Relief, A stone bas-relief reproduced from an early Christian sarcophagus in Saint
Apollainaire Church in Ravenna. The lamb, one of the earliest symbols of
Christ, is heralded by the dove of the Holy Spirit carrying a wreath of
victory. Hyrdostone with marble finish, 7" x 7"
James Powell & Sons stained glass,
Agnus Dei
detail, at Holy Trinity church, Lomas de Zamora. They were
designed by one of the firm's principal artists, Charles
Hardgrave, and date from 1896.
Floor
of Nativity of Mary Blessed Virgin Catholic Chruch, Schulenburg, Texas, Lamb
of God.
Miscellaneous
Tile Agnus
Dei, at St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh.
Reliquary
Casket with the Lamb of God and a
Personification of the Church, French (Limoges)
About 1185-95, Champlevé enamel on copper, Width 15.4 cm x height 14.5
cm x depth 6.9 cm
Private collection
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