The artwork, titled “Seraph,” is a mosaic created by the Byzantine Mosaics around circa 1056. This work, which exemplifies the Middle Byzantine Art Movement and more specifically the Macedonian Renaissance (867–1056), falls within the genre of religious painting. “Seraph” is part of a series found in the Nea Moni of Chios, Greece, where it is also currently located.
This mosaic depicts a seraph, an angelic figure often characterized by having multiple wings. The seraph in this artwork features a striking composition where the central human face is surrounded by an intricate and symmetrical arrangement of wings. The wings are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, utilizing shades of blue, white, and black, which contrast vividly against a golden background. The artistry of the feathers and the overall form of the seraph display a sophisticated understanding of both form and spiritual symbolism, typical of Byzantine religious art. The surrounding decorative elements, consisting of ornamental patterns, further enhance the divine and reverent nature of the piece.