The artwork titled “Nativity Mosaic,” created circa 1320 by the artisans known collectively as Byzantine Mosaics, is a religious painting executed in mosaic medium. It belongs to the Byzantine art movement, specifically the Late Byzantine/Palaeologan Renaissance period, which spans from approximately 1261 to 1453. This distinctive piece is part of a series located within the Chora Church in Istanbul, Turkey, where it remains to this day.
The artwork depicts a traditional nativity scene, illustrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Central to the composition is the figure of Mary, reclining and gazing lovingly at her newborn child, who lies in a manger. Surrounding them are various biblical figures and angels, each rendered with the meticulous detail characteristic of Byzantine mosaic techniques. The scene is set against a modest, earthy background, framed by intricate borders. The top segment features a series of medallions enclosing portraits of saints, adding a further layer of religious reverence. The use of color and arrangement draws the viewer’s eye throughout the composition, emphasizing the divine and sacred nature of the event.
