What was the significance of Virgin and Child mosaic in the apse of Hagia Sophia?
What was the significance of Virgin and Child mosaic in the apse of Hagia Sophia?
The Theotokos mosaic of the Virgin and Child, in the central apse of the Hagia Sophia, is believed to reconstruct an earlier sixth century mosaic destroyed during Iconoclasm. It combines the Early Byzantine style with the new development of softer folds, increased modeling, and the addition of perspective .
Who made the Virgin and Child Mosaic Hagia Sophia?
On the left, emperor Justinian, who built Hagia Sophia between 532–537, offers a domed model of Hagia Sophia—the very church in which this mosaic is located—to the Virgin and Child.
Who is depicted in the mosaic in the apse of Hagia Sophia?
Virgin Mary
The apse is the semi-dome located behind the altar. The Mosaic of the Apse in Hagia Sophia was completed during the 9th century. It’s a representation of Virgin Mary sitting on a backless throne, with young Jesus Christ on her lap.
Where is the Virgin and Child Mosaic?
Hagia Sophia
The Virgin and Child mosaic, 9th century CE, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey. The mosaic is located in the apse semi-dome of Hagia Sophia. In the mosaic Mary is enthroned and she puts her right hand on the shoulder of the Child Christ who is seated in her lap.
What religious theme unites the mosaics in the church of San Vitale?
A major theme of this mosaic program is the authority of the emperor in the Christian plan of history.
What is Byzantine art history?
Byzantine art, architecture, paintings, and other visual arts produced in the Middle Ages in the Byzantine Empire (centred at Constantinople) and in various areas that came under its influence. The result was a sophistication of style and a spirituality of expression rarely paralleled in Western art.
When was the Virgin and Child mosaic created?
English: The Virgin and Child mosaics are located in the half dome of the apse of the Hagia Sophia. This was the first of the post-iconoclastic mosaics. It was inaugurated on 29 March 867 by Patriarch Photios and the emperors Michael III and Basil I.
What is deesis mosaic?
The Deësis mosaic in Hagia Sophia The monumental Deësis mosaic depicts Christ flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist approximately two and a half times larger than life. This type of image is referred to as a deësis (δέησις), which means “entreaty,” suggesting an act of asking, pleading, begging.
What couple presents gifts to the church in the mosaics of San Vitale in Ravenna?
The most famous mosaics in San Vitale are the pair of mosaics representing the Emperor Justinian and the Empress Theodora. These appear in the apse adjacent to the apse mosaic representing Christ in Majesty.
Who founded Byzantine art?
Byzantine art emerged after emperor Constantine I (c. 272 – 337 C.E.) declared tolerance for Christianity in the ancient Roman empire in 313 C.E. In 330, he moved the capital from Rome to Byzantium, which was renamed Constantinople (mordern-day Istanbul) in his honor.
Who invented Byzantine art?
The flowering of Byzantine architecture and art occurred in the reign of the Emperor Justinian from 527-565, as he embarked on a building campaign in Constantinople and, subsequently, Ravenna, Italy.
Where is the Virgin and Child mosaic in the church?
The Virgin and Child mosaic is located in the apse semi dome. In the mosaic Mary is enthroned and she puts her right hand on shoulder of the Child Christ who is seated in her lap. Her left hand holds a handkerchief, which is on Christ’s knee.
Are there mosaics in Justinian Hagia Sophia?
Though covered and uncovered more than once throughout the history, mosaics outstand on the walls of this masterpiece. On the contrary to the general view, there were almost no figurative images in Justinian Hagia Sophia.
Why is Mary in the middle of the Hagia Sophia?
Mary and the Christ image which is generally in the middle of other figures implies the presence of God is always among people. Fossati drawing of Hagia Sophia’s main dome-It was believed that originally there was a huge cross and later a mosaic of Christ Pantocrator which is thought to have collapsed in a earthquake.
What was inside the dome of Hagia Sophia?
Fossati drawing of Hagia Sophia’s main dome-It was believed that originally there was a huge cross and later a mosaic of Christ Pantocrator which is thought to have collapsed in a earthquake. The arch of the main dome was decorated with the depiction of the throne of Christ, a mosaic of John the Baptist and Mary.
