istanbul - turkey Sainte- Sophie Aya Sofia

Mosaic of the Deesis from St Sophia. Second half of the thirteenth or the first half of the fourteenth century. Middle bay of south gallery. The Deesis is the iconographic name used for the scene where Christ is portrayed between the Virgin and St John the Baptist. In the mosaic, whose lower part is completely lost, the last two are seen interceding on behalf of the humanity. They lean towards Christ in suppliant attitudes, pleading for the salvation of mankind. This mosaic is referred to as one of the greatest works and triumphs of mosaic art in Constantinople. It is the illustration of the cultural revival which took place in the capital after the restoration of the Byzantine empire by Michael VIII, Palaiologos in 1261. (no exact date known). The technique is more painterly than the other mosaics in the gallery.