The artwork, titled “Deesis Mosaic,” was created by Byzantine artists around circa 1261. This mosaic is an exemplary piece of the Late Byzantine or Palaeologan Renaissance art movement, which spanned from approximately 1261 to 1453, and belongs to the genre of religious painting. It is part of a series of mosaics housed in the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.
The “Deesis Mosaic” features a central depiction of Christ flanked by the Virgin Mary on the left and John the Baptist on the right. This iconic composition is rendered in traditional Byzantine mosaic style, characterized by its use of gold backgrounds and intricate tessellation to create a visually striking and spiritually profound image. The figures are depicted with solemn expressions, emphasizing their sacred roles as intercessors. The vibrant use of color, particularly the gold, blue, and red, highlights the divine and holy nature of the subjects. Despite some erosion and damage over the centuries, the mosaic remains a significant example of Byzantine art and continues to draw scholars and visitors to the Hagia Sophia.
