the Empress Zoe Mosaics 1050

The Empress Zoe mosaics in the Hagia Sophia were created by Byzantine artisans, using tesserae - small, flat pieces of glass, stone, or ceramic. The mosaic surface has a shimmering quality, which comes from the way the individual tesserae reflect light. Think about the labor involved: each tiny piece had to be individually placed, set at a slight angle for maximum reflective effect. There is real skill here, but also an enormous amount of time and patience. The gold tesserae forming the background evoke a sense of ethereal space. They elevate the figures of Christ, Empress Zoe, and her husband, reminding us of their spiritual and earthly power. We see how these materials speak to social context, reinforcing the authority of the Byzantine rulers. They also speak to the economics of labor. When we consider the material and the making of the mosaics, we can understand the full meaning of the artwork, and also challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.