The artwork titled “Magi Before Herod the Great” is attributed to the Byzantine Mosaics and dates back to circa 1320. Executed in the medium of mosaic, it belongs to the Late Byzantine or Palaeologan Renaissance art movement, which spans from circa 1261 to 1453. This piece is a religious painting and is part of a series housed in the Chora Church in Istanbul, Turkey, where it is currently located.
The artwork depicts a scene wherein the Magi, traditionally recognized as the three wise men, are presented before Herod the Great. This portrayal is composed primarily of small, intricately arranged pieces of colored glass or stone, typical of Byzantine mosaics, reflecting a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Dominated by warm hues and characterized by the stylistic features of the Late Byzantine period, the scene conveys a narrative from Christian tradition, emphasizing the significance of the event it illustrates. The figures are adorned in richly colored garments, and the overall composition exhibits a profound sense of historic and theological importance.