The artwork titled “Virgin Entrusted to Joseph,” created by the Byzantine Mosaic artists around c.1320, is a fine example of mosaïque (mosaic) art from the Late Byzantine period, also known as the Palaeologan Renaissance (c.1261–1453). This religious painting is part of a series within the Chora Church, located in Istanbul, Turkey.
In its composition, the artwork portrays a significant scene where the Virgin Mary is being entrusted to Joseph. The mosaic is meticulously crafted with vibrant and intricate tesserae, which imbue the depiction with a sense of divine luminosity. The figures are surrounded by a golden halo, highlighting their holy status and adding a celestial dimension to the narrative. Rich in Byzantine stylistics, the mosaic demonstrates a masterful use of color and spatial arrangement, typical of the artistic movement of the era. The setting in the Chora Church enhances its spiritual impact, making it a prominent piece of Byzantine ecclesiastical art.