One of the great art spaces has to be found at the Kariye Camii in Istanbul. It was part of an old palace complex at one time and it was on the edge of town, near the giant walls. When the walls were breached in 1453, it was the first place that was sacked and desecrated and lucky for me, the mosaics and frescos were painted over (and preserved) for hundreds of years. Now it is a museum with one of the greatest mosaic schemes in the history of Christianity. This fresco is one that I used to call the "Star Wars Jesus". It is advanced for its design, action and power. It is the Anastasis or Harrowing of Hell. Christ takes Adam and Eve out of hell, with the devil bound at his feet.
Jeff and I are taking a break outside of the church with some tea. This is from the spring break trip of 2006.
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