The mosaic you are inquiring about is named “Joel” and is a work of the Byzantine period that was created around the 1300s. Part of the Late Byzantine or Palaeologan Renaissance, it is situated in the Pammakaristos Church in Istanbul, Turkey. This religious painting was crafted using the medium of mosaic, which was a common technique during the Byzantine art movement, characterized by the use of small colored stones, glass, or other materials to create an image.
The mosaic depicts the figure of Joel, who is recognized as one of the twelve minor prophets from the Hebrew Bible. Joel is portrayed with a full beard and wearing traditional Byzantine garments marked by the folds and patterns indicative of such art. The figure holds a scroll, on which Greek text is written, symbolizing the prophetic messages he is known for. The gold background is typical of Byzantine mosaics, representing the divine light. The text above his head identifies him by name, written in Greek as “Ο ΠΡΟΦΗΤΗΣ ΙΩΗΛ” (O PROPHETIS IOEL), which translates to “The Prophet Joel” in English. The halo around his head signifies his status as a holy figure. The work overall is a prime example of the use of mosaic to convey religious themes and figures, showcasing the intricate and labor-intensive craft that defines Byzantine ecclesiastical artwork.