The Church of Sancta Sophia, Constantinople: A Study of Byzantine BuildingLethaby, W. R. (William Richard)
Religion
The Church of Sancta Sophia, Constantinople: A Study of Byzantine Building
Lethaby, W. R. (William Richard)
Ayasofya Müzesi
Since the above has been in type we have found a pamphlet published
by the brothers Fossati in 1890,[406] describing a collection of
drawings of S. Sophia, shown by them at Milan. From this we gather the
following additional particulars of the mosaic subjects.--Over the door
of the south porch “was a remarkable mosaic representing the Virgin
and Child, to whom Justinian presents the Church and Constantine the
City.”--A representation of Christ, the Virgin, and S. John, forming
the Trimorphion (Pantocrator, Pantochrante, Pantepopte.)--Two groups
of the Fathers of the Church, thirteen altogether: Ignatius Oneos,
Methodius, Ignatius Theophorus, Gregory Thaumaturgus, John Chrysostom,
Cyril, and Athanasius. [These must occupy the seven recesses on
the north window-wall, as the six others agree with those given by
Salzenberg on the south side].--The Pantocrator on a throne [? supposed
centre of Pentecost dome].--John Palaeologus [? with the Virgin on
north side of great east arch, p. 278].--John Comnenus and Irene with
the Virgin between them.--Constantine XI. and Zoe with Christ between
them.--Alexius Comnenus X. or XI.--Alexander, the brother of Leo [some
of these also were doubtless on the great east and west arches].--Three
Virgins.--S. John with six apostles surrounded by cherubim [? in higher
part of one of the window-walls, p. 277].--Prophets [? of window-wall,
p. 276].--A circle with colossal Pantocrator [? the destroyed centre of
the great dome].--Different emblems with Greek and Latin descriptions.
Besides these, a drawing of Cherubim “saved from the Atrium Portico”
is mentioned; and the inscription on the arch in front of the apse is
given as follows, and may be compared with Salzenberg’s Plate x.:--
ΗΙΑΝΙΡϹΕΙΑΡ ΗΡΑΝΘΕΟΗΑΡΙΗΑΡ ΘΕϹΙϹΗΝΑΝΕΑΙϹΕΙΕ
ΠΑΡΙΝ.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account