Deesis Mosaic

The Deesis mosaic of Christ flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist was part of the renovations that took place after Constantinople was recaptured when it was taken back from the Latin crusaders. Byzantine artists had access to Western art and were greatly influenced. The figures are much closer to the viewer and all close to the same size, they lose the cartoon-like and inhuman style, and the shell and spiral pattern of the background makes it come to life and all that more relatable to the viewer. These stylistic changes all came with an increased connection with Western empires.

All three figures are the same size, with Christ in the middle blessing with his right hand and holding a book in his left. The Virgin Mary and John the Baptist are both turned into Christ instead of facing forward.

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