Mary and the Child Jesus

The Parecclesion Dome of the Church of St. Savior in Chora (Istanbul) features the Virgin Mary and Child Jesus ringed by angelic beings. A... more

by Stephen Stookey

Title

Mary and the Child Jesus

Artist

Stephen Stookey

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

The Parecclesion Dome of the Church of St. Savior in Chora (Istanbul) features the Virgin Mary and Child Jesus ringed by angelic beings. A parecclesion is a side chapel commonly found in Byzantine architecture. Chora's parecclesion sits on the eastern side of the church complex, a location of importance to religious ritual. Chora's longitudinal parecclesion is decorated with remains of rich 14thc century frescoes and mosaics. The apse features a detailed depiction of resurrection and judgement. The Virgin Mary and child Jesus, surrounded by an angelic host, look upon worshipers from the parecclesion dome.

The original Chora Church dates to the fourth century, with the structure located just outside Constantine the Great's city walls. It is believed the rending of Chora (country) relates to the church's original location in the country beyond Constantinople's walls. The church and connected monastery were encompassed by Theophilus II's expansive land walls in the early 5th century. The current structure dates to the 11th century. Its crossed-in-square (quincunx) plan dominated mid-to-late Byzantine church architecture. Following the fall 1453 of Constantinople the Chora Church transitioned to a mosque, with a single minaret added. Today, the structure is a museum displaying the extensive remains of late Byzantine Christian mosaics and frescoes. The Kariye Museum (Turkish: Kariye Muzesi), often overlooked by visitors to Istanbul, is recognized as one of the leading museums in the world for medieval Byzantine art & architecture.

The Church of St. Savior at Chora (Kariye Museum/Kariye Muzesi) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, included within the designated UNESCO Historic Areas of Istanbul.

Image captured with a Canon 5D Mark III & Canon 16-35 f/2.8L II USM lens.

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February 12th, 2015