In going round this catacomb, and in most of the others, the visitor will be shown a number of rude paintings, which will be explained to him in various ways, according to the tendencies of his guide. The paintings may be considered to consist of three classes, symbolical; allegorical and biblical; and liturgical. There is little variety of subject,—the same are introduced over and over again.
The symbols most frequently introduced on and over the graves are:—
The Anchor, expressive of hope. Heb. vi. 19.
The Dove, symbolical of the Christian soul released from its earthly tabernacle. Ps. lv. 6.
The Sheep, symbolical of the soul still wandering amid the pastures and deserts of earthly life. Ps. cxix. 176. Isaiah liii. 6. John x. 14; xxi. 15, 16, 17.
The Phœnix, "the palm bird," emblematical of eternity and the resurrection.
The Fish—typical of Our Saviour—from the word ιχθυς, formed by the initial letters of the titles of Our Lord—Ιησοὑς Χριστὁς θεοὑ Υἱὁς Σωτἡρ—"Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Saviour."
The Ship—representing the Church militant, sometimes seen carried on the back of the fish.
Bread, represented with fish, sometimes carried in a basket on its back, sometimes with it on a table—in allusion to the multiplication of the loaves and fishes.
A Female Figure Praying, an "Orante"—in allusion to the Church.