Imperial Gate Mosaics 900

The "Imperial Gate Mosaics" are a 9th-century work of Byzantine art located within the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey. Depicting Christ enthroned with a kneeling emperor at his feet, the mosaic is characteristic of the Byzantine style. The use of gold tesserae, a technique where small pieces of glass or stone are used to create images, highlights the divine power of Christ and the grandeur of the empire. The mosaic reflects a crucial moment in the interaction between religion and imperial power in the Byzantine Empire, showcasing the reverence and subservience of earthly rulers to Christ.