What is the role of Christ in His image of Pantocrator?
The icon Christ Pantocrator emphasizes Jesus’ omnipotence, his power to do anything. Jesus is the “Ruler of All” who sustains all things. The symbolism of Christ Pantocrator (explained below) borrows from Roman imperial imagery to project his sovereign power.
Who made the mosaic of Christ Pantocrator?
artist Feofan Grec
The iconography of this scene was developed in the early 15th century in Russia by the Byzantine artist Feofan Grec (Theophanes the Greek). The symbolic meaning of the composition finds its explanation in images of the Last Judgment, where Christ appears within a mandorla.
What is mosaic of Jesus Christ in Istanbul Turkey?
Beautiful Christian wall mosaic of Jesus Christ inside Hagia Sophia, situated in the Old City of Istanbul, Istanbul province, Marmara region of Turkey. Hagia Sophia (Turkish: Ayasofya) was a Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal basilica (church), later an imperial mosque, and is now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey.
When was mosaic of Jesus Christ in Istanbul created?
The actual date of the mosaic is unknown, but two possibilities prevail: late 12th century, just before the Fourth Crusaders captured the city in 1204; mid to late 1260s, immediately after the recovery of the city by Michael VIII Palaiologos from the Fourth Crusaders in 1261.
What is the main theme of the artworks produced during the Byzantine period?
The subject matter of monumental Byzantine art was primarily religious and imperial: the two themes are often combined, as in the portraits of later Byzantine emperors that decorated the interior of the sixth-century church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.
What is Pantocrator in art?
(Greek: Παντοκράτωρ “All-ruler”). An image of Jesus Christ as ruler of the universe. Christ is represented frontally, right hand raised in a blessing gesture, left hand holding a gospel book. Pantokrator images often appear in Byzantine icons and in dome and apse mosaics in Byzantine churches.
What does the term Pantocrator mean?
almighty ruler
Definition of Pantocrator : the omnipotent lord of the universe : almighty ruler —used especially of Christ the typical Byzantine icon presents Jesus as the Pantocrator … on his heavenly throne— F. B. Artz.
Who is in deesis mosaic?
The Deësis mosaic in Hagia Sophia The monumental Deësis mosaic depicts Christ flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist approximately two and a half times larger than life. The looming stature of these three figures reflects their importance in Byzantine culture.
Where is deesis mosaic located?
Hagia Sophia
English: The Deësis mosaic in the basilica of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul probably dates from 1261. It is the third mosaic panel situated in the imperial enclosure of the upper galleries. The Deësis mosaic is made from many tesserae, and is considered the finest in the Hagia Sophia.
What is the message of Byzantine paintings?
How did Byzantine art influence Christianity?
Byzantine Christian art had the triple purpose of beautifying a building, instructing the illiterate on matters vital for the welfare of their soul, and encouraging the faithful that they were on the correct path to salvation. For this reason, the interiors of Byzantine churches were covered with paintings and mosaics.
When was the Hagia Sophia opened to the public?
In 1934, Mustafa Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey, reopened the Hagia Sophia as a museum,” allowing people of all faiths to admire the grandeur of the building. Covered mosaics were rediscovered and displayed for the general public.
Is there a painting of the Pantocrator?
There is another famous mosaic of the Pantocrator in the Hagia Sophia, once a church, then a mosque and now a museum, in Istanbul, Turkey. The mosaic was done in the 1260’s and the resemblance to the 500’s Pantocrator is uncanny, leading some to believe that the artist had seen or had access to the St. Catherine painting done 700 years previously.—
Where is the fresco of Christ Pantokrator located in the church?
Generally speaking, in Medieval eastern roman church art and architecture, an iconic mosaic or fresco of Christ Pantokrator occupies the space in the central dome of the church, in the half-dome of the apse, or on the nave vault.
What is a Pantokrator in the Catholic Church?
Pantocrator or Pantokrator is, used in this context, derived from one of many names of God in Judaism. The Pantokrator, largely an Eastern Orthodox or Eastern Catholic theological conception, is less common by that name in Western (Roman) Catholicism and largely unknown to most Protestants.