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This unusual design is an adaptation of a twelfth-century mosaic that shows Christ crucified and decorates the apse of San Clemente in Rome. Its Cross is, as here, adorned with 12 doves; they represent the Twelve Apostles, Christ's followers who spread his message after his death.Looping tendrils of acanthus, a shrub with spiky leaves, surround the Cross at San Clemente -- according to the Gospels, Roman soldiers made an acanthus crown for Christ just before his crucifixion. The plant survives in our version as a cluster of large leaves at the foot of the Cross. Beneath this, two stags drink, a reference to Psalm 42: 'As the hart longs for flowing streams so my soul thirsts for thee, O God'. The water comes from four streams; the Book of Genesis mentions that four rivers flow from the Garden of Eden.