The Deësis

16th century (?)
Mosaic
Church of San Giorgio dei Greci, Venice, Italy

These three roundels appear over the main entrance to the church, which is Greek Orthodox. In the center Christ blesses the viewer and holds a book with writing that my camera unfortunately failed to capture clearly. As usual, he is labeled IC XC, the Greek abbreviation for Iesuous Christos, "Jesus Christ." Additionally, the cross behind is head is inscribed o ωn, "I am," referring to God's reply to Moses in Exodus 3:14, "I am who am."

The Virgin Mary is on the left of Christ, labeled meter theou, "mother of God." John the Baptist (labeled o prodromos or "the forerunner") is on the right.

The church was built in the 16th century, so perhaps the roundels are also from that time.

View the Christ roundel in full resolution.
View the Mary roundel in full resolution.
View the John the Baptist roundel in full resolution.

Read more about images of the Deësis.

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• Iconography of the Deësis
• This Picture

Photographed at the church by Richard Stracke, shared under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license.