Imagery of Christ as the Good Shepherd is familiar to Latter-day Saints, both in scripture and art, but it was also used by early Christians who adopted the symbol from Roman art.
This depiction is found in the tomb of Galla Placidia, the daughter of a 5th-century Roman emperor. The shepherd, identified here as Jesus by his staff which takes the shape of a cross, sits in a peaceful landscape, surrounded by a small flock of sheep. The sheep here play at least two roles, reminding the viewer of Christ’s followers and of his ultimate sacrifice. The setting, an abundant field, is reminiscent of Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.” (KJV)
Learn about early symbols of Christianity in Ancient Christians: An Introduction for Latter-day Saints.
The Good Shepherd mosaic in the mausoleum of Galla Placidia, 425 AD.