Virgin Mary Mosaic, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey
The Church of Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Its decorations are a typical example of the role played by mosaics in early Christian art. With their glittering beauty, mosaics served as windows to access the spiritual world. This mosaic depicts the Virgin Mary holding Child Christ on her lap. She is surrounded by Emperor Justinian, on her right, holding a model of Hagia Sophia, and by Emperor Constantine I, on her left, holding a model of the city of Istanbul.
© Public Domain