The artwork, titled “Drei Marien Am Fusse Des Kreuzes,” is a mosaic created circa 1056 by Byzantine artisans. It exemplifies the Middle Byzantine period, specifically the Macedonian Renaissance, a cultural and artistic revival spanning from 867 to 1056. Classified under the genre of religious painting, this piece is part of a series housed in the Nea Moni of Chios, Greece.
The artwork depicts three solemn figures adorned in Byzantine attire, standing together in a display of poignant reverence. The central figure, slightly bent and with a hand near her face, conveys a sense of sorrow, while the figure on the right, dressed in a blue robe with intricate gold detailing, stands erect with one arm crossed and the other extended in a gesture of blessing or supplication. The use of mosaics as a medium, characterized by its meticulous arrangement of colored tiles, imbues the scene with a rich texture and a sacred aura. The background shimmers with golden tiles, emphasizing the divine and timeless nature of the depicted event. This mosaic captures both the emotional gravity and spiritual depth of its religious theme, characteristic of Byzantine art.