Jesus Christ (c.1300) by Byzantine Mosaics

Jesus Christ - Byzantine Mosaics - c.1300

Artwork Information

TitleJesus Christ
ArtistByzantine Mosaics
Datec.1300
Mediummosaïque
Art MovementByzantine,Late Byzantine/Palaeologan Renaissance (c. 1261–1453)
Current LocationPammakaristos Church, Istanbul, Turkey

About Jesus Christ

The artwork titled “Jesus Christ” is a mosaic attributed to the Byzantine period, specifically the Late Byzantine/Palaeologan Renaissance that spanned from approximately 1261 to 1453. The work dates back to around the 1300s and is crafted in the medium of mosaic, which is characteristic of Byzantine art. It is a religious painting situated in the Pammakaristos Church in Istanbul, Turkey, where it remains as part of a series that decorates the church.

The mosaic depicts a half-length portrait of Jesus Christ marked by a solemn and direct gaze, a common attribute in Byzantine religious imagery. The figure of Jesus is adorned with a halo inscribed with a cross, signifying his holy and divine nature. The Greek letters IC and XC are placed beside the halo, representing the name of Jesus Christ in Greek (IC XC is an abbreviation for ‘Jesus Christ’). Jesus is portrayed holding a book, which is likely meant to symbolize the Gospels or divine wisdom. The intricate mosaic is comprised of tiny, carefully arranged tiles—named tesserae—that shimmer with gold and various colors, creating a rich and textured portrayal. This technique emphasizes the sanctity and majesty of the depicted figure, in keeping with the artistic traditions of the time that sought to convey a spiritual and heavenly presence. The artistry of the piece reflects the reverence for religious figures in the Byzantine period, displaying the skillful use of light and shadow through the tesserae to impart depth and solemnity to the figure of Christ.

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