.jpg)
.jpg)
(click to enlarge)
The Deësis mosaic (...) probably dates from 1261. It was commissioned to mark the end of 57 years of Roman Catholic use and the return to the Orthodox faith. It is the third panel situated in the imperial enclosure of the upper galleries. It is widely considered the finest in Hagia Sophia, because of the softness of the features, the humane expressions and the tones of the mosaic. The style is close to that of the Italian painters of the late 13th or early 14th century, such as Duccio. In this panel the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist (Ioannes Prodromos), both shown in three-quarters profile, are imploring the intercession of Christ Pantocrator for humanity on Judgment Day. The bottom part of this mosaic is badly deteriorated, probably due to rain since the mosaic is next to the windows. This mosaic is considered as the beginning of the Renaissance in Byzantine pictorial art. Source.
I know it's breathtaking !
ReplyDeleteTourist traffic, eh? Very clever twist on today's theme! And a very informative post. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! The erosion makes me sad. Can what remains be preserved or will it someday fade completely away?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures. The places I don't visit due to tourist traffic :) When I was in Rome we walked to the Vatican and turned right back round again once we got there. Looked like thousand or more people neatly and orderly queuing to get in....
ReplyDeleteNice capture and beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
very nice photos :)
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful art and architecture.
ReplyDeleteThursday Thirteen - Useless Knowledge
nicely done. welcome to theme thursday! love the art and architecture...would probably fight that traffic.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely. Welcome to TT! And thank you for leaving a comment.
ReplyDeleteInteresting take. And cool pics!
ReplyDeleteMagnificent!
ReplyDeleteWonderful. Those mosaics were one of my very favorite things in Istanbul.
ReplyDeleteGood angle on traffic. I remember the zoo getting in to see the Sistine Chapel...
ReplyDeleteI'd drive through some heavy traffic to see that! It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to TT. This was a beautiful and inspired take on today's theme. Sad about the deterioration. I hope it can be remedied?
ReplyDeleteTourist traffic! Brilliant! I've seen photos of that before, you're so lucky you got to see it in person. Happy TT!
ReplyDeletegorgeous....is your traffic is up on your blog counter with theme thursday!
ReplyDeleteThat's so wonderful that you got to see what you first admired in textbooks.
ReplyDeleteOhhh the deterioration is soooo sad! I wonder if they will ever try to reconstruct it? It is just an amazing work of art! And the age! Just amazing!
ReplyDeleteWOW! That is impressive! I'm always amazed by works of Art done so very long ago that STILL are there. Sad that the bottom is deteriorating. I wonder if they can do anything about it?
ReplyDeleteIt's such a shame that it's eroding like that but a place I've always wanted to visit since studying it in art class. I think you're the only one to have done the tourist traffic angle, well done!
ReplyDeleteI've seen unusual posts for traffic but this one is just stunning. Welcome to ultimate blogginess and happy TT
ReplyDeleteHow fascinatingly beautiful it is above the throngs of traffic.
ReplyDeleteIstanbul! Bravo! My Favourite City in Europe.Welcome to TT.
ReplyDeleteRegards
Tony.