The history and study of art history has sparked the exploration of many different works of art . Gardner's Art Through the Ages features many of these works and has educated countless people by exposing different techniques, defining specific cultures, societies and political influences. Personally, the type of art that I will cover in this article, Christian mosaic art, has become one of my favorites and one that I find very interesting. Mosaic art is incredible because it displays immense coordination and detail on any available surface. This article will aim to critically consider the iconography of three important works of art. These plays have changed many cultures over time by impacting them socially, politically, and religiously. However, before diving into the three works of art, it is important to understand the purpose of a mosaic and the uses they would have had over time. their time. According to Webster's Dictionary, a mosaic is “a surface decoration made by inlaying small pieces of materials of various colors to form images or patterns; also: the manufacturing process. Originally, while other methods were also used, mosaics were created as an economical, inexpensive and durable flooring. It was quickly discovered how to create patterns using different shapes and colors of stone effectively. This process of mosaic development and evolution continued to intensify to a point where a much higher level of sophistication was required to master the proper technique. In the fourth century, a requirement arose that mosaics were no longer simple patterns, but rather transformed into real paintings with lots of detail and tapestries. Even further, by ear ... middle of paper ... essence of the reference, as Jesus declares: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. (Holy Bible, NLT, page 918). » Jesus is shown holding a cross while sitting among his sheep, which clearly identifies him as the Christ. Great significance for the location of the artwork is also revealed by the fact that Galla Placidia was built just a century after Christianity was authorized. Since this was the case, anyone who came into the presence of the chapel, and specifically of “Christ the Good Shepherd,” would have felt its great significance through the boldness it had in its time and the specific and well-known meaning. of Christ as good shepherd.