Chiesa Pammacaristos (Fetiye camii) - Cupola 1300

This mosaic, in the cupola of the Pammakaristos Church, now the Fetiye Mosque in Istanbul, was made by Byzantine artisans. It is composed of countless small pieces of glass and stone, called tesserae, each carefully placed to create an image of Christ surrounded by prophets. The mosaic medium is inseparable from its architectural setting. The reflective quality of the glass tesserae captures and diffuses light, creating an ethereal glow that enhances the spiritual atmosphere of the space. The creation of such a mosaic was an incredibly labor-intensive undertaking, involving a team of skilled workers. From quarrying and cutting the stone to preparing the mortar bed and setting each individual tessera, every step required specialized knowledge and precision. The result is a testament to the enduring power of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork. It challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.