Animals are often mentioned in the Bible. In the book of Genesis, for example, the serpent tempts Eve to eat forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. For this, he is cursed and becomes a vile creature fated to crawl in the dust.
Christian teaching uses the nature of animals to explain spiritual qualities. For example, in the face of death, Jesus surrendered to God's will with the meekness of a lamb.
Altar cross
Robert Edgar Stone
1927
Patinated copper with silver, ivory and enamel details
Museum no. M.25-1993
Panel
Hendrik van Diependale
Jan van Diependale
About 1500
Museum no. 6914-1860
Staff
Unkown maker
About 1700 1825
Silver gilt filigree and enamel
Museum no. 246:1, 2-1896