The artwork titled “Blessing Christ” was created around the year 549 and is attributed to Byzantine mosaics. This religious painting, part of the Byzantine and Early Byzantine art movements (circa 330–750), is composed in the medium of mosaic. It is located in the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna, Italy, and serves as part of a series within the Basilica.
The artwork depicts a central figure of Christ with a halo, encircled by a medallion and holding a jeweled book, symbolizing the Gospels. Christ’s right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing. To the left of Christ, an angel is portrayed holding a similarly adorned book. On the right side, a winged lion, which is a representation of Saint Mark, also holds a decorated book. The background features a celestial setting adorned with intricate and colorful cloud formations, suggesting a divine atmosphere. The entire composition is framed by a border of floral patterns, characteristic of Byzantine mosaic art. The detailed use of gold, blue, green, and red tesserae exemplifies the high craftsmanship and the rich iconography typical of religious artworks from this period.
