The artwork titled “Maria of the Mongols” dates back to 1320 and is attributed to the Byzantine Mosaics. This piece, created using the mosaic technique, belongs to the Byzantine art movement, particularly the Late Byzantine or Palaeologan Renaissance period, which ranges from approximately 1261 to 1453. It is a portrait part of a series located in the Chora Church in Istanbul, Turkey.
The artwork showcases a mosaic portrait of Maria of the Mongols, illustrating the distinct Byzantine style characterized by intricate and meticulous placement of tesserae to create a vivid image. The subject is adorned in typical Byzantine attire, marked by a stoic and solemn facial expression, emphasizing the spiritual and revered nature of portraits during this era. The background features a detailed mosaic pattern that enhances the subject’s prominence and likely complements the architectural and artistic splendor of the Chora Church in which it resides. The use of colors and textures is deliberate, reflecting the sophisticated techniques of Byzantine mosaic artistry.