A real surprise in the balcony of the Hagia Sophia is this mosaic called the Deesis. St. John and Mary are pleading with Christ for humanity. It is a monumental work that has suffered from neglect and the elements. It was covered with paint since the Hagia Sophia became a mosque in the 15th century. Only in the 20th century when it became a museum were the mosaics uncovered and preserved. This image of Christ really struck me as one of the greatest in the history of Christianity. It was created in the 12th century after the crusaders finally left Constantinople. There is an amazingly complex expression on the face of Christ considering it is mosaic. Jeff is busy video taping the experience. Some day I hope to see it.
A real surprise in the balcony of the Hagia Sophia is this mosaic called the Deesis. St. John and Mary are pleading with Christ for humanity. It is a monumental work that has suffered from neglect and the elements. It was covered with paint since the Hagia Sophia became a mosque in the 15th century. Only in the 20th century when it became a museum were the mosaics uncovered and preserved. This image of Christ really struck me as one of the greatest in the history of Christianity. It was created in the 12th century after the crusaders finally left Constantinople. There is an amazingly complex expression on the face of Christ considering it is mosaic. Jeff is busy video taping the experience. Some day I hope to see it.
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