Annunciation Mosaic (1320) by Byzantine Mosaics

Annunciation Mosaic - Byzantine Mosaics - 1320

Artwork Information

TitleAnnunciation Mosaic
ArtistByzantine Mosaics
Date1320
Mediummosaïque
Art MovementByzantine,Late Byzantine/Palaeologan Renaissance (c. 1261–1453)
Current LocationChora Church, Istanbul, Turkey

About Annunciation Mosaic

This artwork, titled the “Annunciation Mosaic,” was created by Byzantine mosaicists around 1320 and is rendered in the medium of mosaic. It belongs to the Late Byzantine/Palaeologan Renaissance period, which is characterized by a revival of classical themes and aesthetics in Byzantine art, dating from approximately 1261 to 1453. This particular piece falls under the genre of religious painting and is part of a series located within the Chora Church in Istanbul, Turkey.

The mosaic depicts a scene from the Christian biblical episode known as the Annunciation. In this religious narrative, the Archangel Gabriel is sent by God to announce to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive and become the mother of Jesus Christ. The artwork captures the moment of communication between the divine messenger and Mary, embodying spiritual significance and reverence. The use of gold tesserae is prevalent, particularly in the background, highlighting the divine nature of the scene and emphasizing the sacred atmosphere. The figures are stylized in a manner typical of Byzantine art, with Mary shown receiving the message in a gesture of humility and contemplation. The ornate architectural elements and the presence of Greek letters, likely indicating the names of the figures or a related inscription, are also notable features of the mosaic. The careful composition of the scene, along with the rich textures and color contrasts, serve to convey the momentous nature of this divine revelation.

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