The artwork titled “San Gregorio armeniaco” is a Byzantine mosaic dating back to around 1300. It is a religious painting that exemplifies the artistry of Byzantine mosaics and belongs to the Late Byzantine/Palaeologan Renaissance period, which spans from 1261 to 1453. This mosaic is part of a series located in the Pammakaristos Church in Istanbul, Turkey, where it can also be seen today. The medium used for this artwork is the classic mosaic technique, indicative of the era’s religious and artistic expression.
The mosaic itself features a portrait of a saint, identified in the text within the halo as “San Gregorio,” which is likely Saint Gregory of Armenia, also known as Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of Armenia. This saint is depicted with a somber expression and a grey, curly beard, wearing ecclesiastical garments with a cross hanging from his neck, indicative of his saintly status. His right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing or teaching, and he holds a book in his left hand, symbolizing his wisdom and authority in spiritual matters.
The color palette is dominated by golden tones in the background, which is common in Byzantine mosaics as it gives a divine radiance to the figure. The fine craftsmanship is evident in the details of the facial features, the folds of clothes, and the intricately bordered halo, signifying holiness. Surrounding the central figure, the border is adorned with plant motifs and various shades of red, blue, green, and white tesserae, which provide a vibrant contrast to the golden background.
In summary, “San Gregorio armeniaco” is a distinguishing example of Late Byzantine mosaic art, both in terms of its religious significance and its visual elegance, still viewable at its original location in the Pammakaristos Church.