The artwork titled “Christ”, created by Byzantine Mosaics in 1320, is a fine example of the religious painting genre within the Late Byzantine/Palaeologan Renaissance (c. 1261–1453) art movement. As a mosaic, it is part of a significant series located in the Chora Church in Istanbul, Turkey, which serves as its current home.
In this artwork, the central figure of Christ is depicted with a serene and solemn expression, embodying a sense of divine presence and reverence. His visage is surrounded by a gold halo, symbolizing holiness and divinity, while his right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing or teaching. Cloaked in garments of rich, deep colors, the figure stands against a background which shows signs of aging, adding to the historical value of the mosaic. The use of meticulous tesserae pieces exemplifies the Byzantine mastery in creating detailed and luminous religious iconography.
