Poreč, Cathedral of Eufrasius, apse mosaic, right side, angel and two anonymous saints
On the right side of the apse mosaic, an angel presents three unnamed male saints to the Virgin and Child. The first and third of the young, unbearded saints carry the wreath-crowns of martyrs; the second, robed in gold, carries a book in a jewelled binding. Terry and Maguire have related the anonymity of the saints to votive panels in St. Demetrios, Thessaloniki, where inscriptions refer to anonymous supplicants offering prayers to saints who are often unnamed as well. The mosaic inscription celebrating Eufrasius’ construction of the church refers to his fulfillment of a vow, and these anonymous saints may be part of a private message of devotion alongside the more public content of the mosaic program (Terry and Maguire [2007], pp. 142-46). Technically, one may note the unusual use of gold tesserae to highlight the hair of the angel (as of the Christ child) (Terry and Maguire [2007], p. 79). Cited sources: Terry, Ann and Henry Maguire. Dynamic Splendor: The Wall Mosaics in the Cathedral of Eufrasius at Poreč. Univ. Park, Pa: Pennsylvania State UP, 2007.
D'Emilio photo archive no. 19773714_1276uGalleries:Angels, Apse mosaics with the Virgin Mary, Cathedral of Eufrasius, Poreč, Croatia, Italy and the Adriatic, 500s, Mosaic, Unknown saintsKeywords:angel, halo, jewelled binding, staff, wreath-crownPhoto Location: Poreč, CroatiaPhotographer: Dr. James D’EmilioDate of Photo:Device Make: NikonDevice Model: Nikon SUPER COOLSCAN 5000 EDOriginal Dimensions: 5286×3594Picture Orientation: LandscapeGPS Coordinates:Picture Number: 22222
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