The central
composition with the Virgin and Child
enthroned between archangels is typical of icons from
the 6th century; Weitzmann, The Icon, has a number of
similar examples, though the crown held from above by
the Hand of God is a western touch.1
In Weitzmann's examples, the angels are identified as Michael and
Gabriel either by attributes or by labels. Here each wears the
imperial loros and carries the knobbed sceptre that
signifies his authority. The
Virgin wears the mantle and tucked-in veil
typical of portrayals in this period, and the
Child blesses the viewer with his fingers in the "Old Believer"
configuration.
The haloed figure on
the left is St. Maurus, the
first bishop of Poreč, offering his martyr's
crown to the Virgin and Child. To the left
of him is Euphrasius, the bishop who had the
church built. Clipei with female saints line
the outer edge of the vault to the left and
right of the Lamb of God
symbol of Jesus Christ. On the far right,
unidentified, are two martyrs and another saint.
View of the entire
apse
Detail of the Lamb of God symbol
Details of some of the female
saints: Cecilia,
Agnes, Agatha, Cecilia, Valeria, Basilissa,
Felicity, Justina
More of the Virgin and Child
More of St.
Maurus
More of the Archangel Michael
More of the Archangel Gabriel
More
of the lamb symbol
This photograph in full resolution
(2228 x 1327)
