Iconography of the Day: Deisis

Title
Deisis in Majestas Domini

Date
12th century

Medium
Mosaic

in situ at the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
partially destroyed upon the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in 1453.

Christ in Majesty or Christ in Glory, Lat., Majestas Domini, always seats Christ on a throne, from which He rules the world. The iconographical representation of the seated Christ and supplicating figures in Majestas Domini is called Deisis, Gr., δέησις, meaning "prayer" and/or "supplication." Christ Himself is humbly depicted blesseing with the Word in His hand. The Virgin, John the Baptizer, other saints, and angels surround Christ, supplicating for the sins of mankind. One device aptly used to date the icon is identification of the other saints and/or angels surrounding Christ.