Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

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The most famous of Hagia Sophia's Byzantine mosaics is this 13th-century Deësis Mosaic, depicting Christ Pantrocrator flanked by the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist.

Christ holds a closed Book of Gospels in his left hand and raises his right in benediction. His gentle expression is that of the "Palaeologan Christ," who reveals God’s compassion for humanity. On either side, the Virgin and St. John the Baptist are turned towards Christ in attitude of worship.

This mosaic dates from shortly after the Restoration of Constantinople (1261) and was probably commissioned to express gratitude for the victory of Michael VIII Palaeologus (1261-1282), which put an end to Crusader occupation.

The wistful and grave expressions of Christ and the saints in this mosaic reflect a profound spirituality and announce a new epoch of Byzantine art marked by high aesthetic standards and classical trends.

See previous photos for a more general view and following photos for more detailed views of this beautiful mosaic.