The artwork, titled “Temptation of Christ Mosaic,” is attributed to Byzantine Mosaics and dates back to 1320. This masterpiece, rendered in the medium of mosaic, belongs to the Byzantine art movement, particularly the Late Byzantine or Palaeologan Renaissance period (circa 1261–1453). It is a religious painting that can be found as part of the series housed in the Chora Church in Istanbul, Turkey.
The artwork depicts the biblical scene of the Temptation of Christ, characterized by intricate and meticulously arranged tesserae forming the mosaic. In the center, amidst a circular, ornate pattern, Christ is shown being tempted. The surrounding figures and symbols are rendered with the finesse typical of Byzantine artistry, featuring gold and earthy hues that create an ethereal and solemn atmosphere. The mosaic is distinguished by its rich detail, harmonious composition, and the luminous quality of its gold tesserae, reflective of the religious and iconographic traditions of the Byzantine era. The scene unfolds across a rocky landscape, with figures clad in flowing robes, symbolizing the spiritual and moral drama inherent in this significant episode from the life of Christ.
