Hagia Sophia, Constantinople: Religious images and their functional context after iconoclasm

Teteriatnikov Natalia

doi:10.2298/zog0530009t

Abstract

This article examines the mosaic images in the apse and tympana of Hagia Sophia that have been attributed to the reigns of the emperors Basil I (867-886) and Leo VI (886-912). In the past, scholars have discussed these images through the lens of theological and political developments of the period. Several unusual aspects of the program, the choice of images, the body language of the figures, and the specific orientation of the images vis-à-vis liturgical and imperial ceremonies and rites have not been given sufficient attention. An examination of the apse and tympana programs shows that probably both were planned together to reflect the functional needs of the congregation that worshipped in Hagia Sophia.

Highlights

Hagia Sophia irl CorJataIJtbIop1e., in: .Aetas de XIP COrlgtia mtenlatitmal d'etudea byzantines III, Belgrade 1964, 107-110
The southeast area, the location ofthe emperor's throne and the place where members of the imperial court stood during services.s In addition, there was an imperial metatorion in the southeast bay of the south gallery.sThe intentionally distorted orientation and the odd composition of the Virgin in Hagia Sophia can be explained by the location of the emperor's throne in the southeast bay close to the southeast exedra
Photios' homily dedicated to the Virgin, which was delivered from the ambo of Hagia Sophia, presents additional important evidence for his communication with an image of the Virgin

Summary

Introduction

Hagia Sophia irl CorJataIJtbIop1e., in: .Aetas de XIP COrlgtia mtenlatitmal d'etudea byzantines III, Belgrade 1964, 107-110. In most Byzantine churches, the image ofthe Virgin in the apse appears to be more hierarchical and is oriented toward the central nave as in the case of the apse mosaic in the cathedral at PO~.13 In the case ofHagia Sophia, the distorted view of the Virgin can be explained by the primary locations of the emperor and patriarch in the church.

Results

Conclusion