the Empress Zoe Mosaics 1050

The Empress Zoe Mosaics, created in 1050 by Byzantine artists, depict Empress Zoe and her husband, Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos, flanking a central figure of Christ. The mosaic, housed in the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, is an excellent example of Byzantine art, showcasing the use of gold backgrounds and intricate mosaics to create a powerful and awe-inspiring scene. The imagery reflects the Byzantine era's emphasis on religious authority and imperial power, symbolizing the divine right to rule bestowed upon the Emperor and Empress by Christ.