After our trip to Ravenna last year we were keen to see more mosaics.
So it has been a delight being in Rome. The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. It dates back to 340 and has wonderful mosaics from the late 13th century by Pietro Cavallini.
On the facade is a mosaic of the enthroned Madonna and Child and virgins with oil lamps approaching from left and right.
Inside is an apse decorated in mosaics. It is unusual because it is so strikingly beautiful and because Christ and the Virgin are seated together on a throne in the middle of the composition in the apse.
Below, Isaiah and Jeremaiah ....the prophets hold ribbons with inscriptions that say that Mary is the mother of Christ
Around the apse are images depicting the story of Mary. Below the Annunciation
The granite columns that separate the nave from the aisles came from the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla. Interesting to see the 'recycling' that has gone on.
No comments:
Post a Comment