The Birth and Infancy of Jesus (Rome, Italy)
The papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located on Rome's Esquiline Hill, dates to the fifth century, perhaps replacing an earlier church. According to a popular tradition, the site was chosen after a miraculous snow storm in early August was sent by the Virgin Mary. Dedicated by Pope Sixtus III, it was one of the first churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary after the Council of Ephesus declared her Theotokos, or Mother of God, in 431.
One of the centerpieces of the basilica is the cycle of mosaics on the sanctuary arch. These date to the period of the construction of the basilica in the fifth century. They depict the narratives associated with the birth and infancy of Jesus. Many of these come from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, such as the Annunciation to Mary, the visit of the Magi, and the slaughter of the innocents. Some scenes also seem to be based on apocryphal accounts. At the base of the mosaic are representations of Jerusalem and Bethlehem as cities with magnificent jeweled walls. The name of Pope Sixtus III (here spelled Xystus) at the top center of the program identifies the bishop of Rome as the patron.
For more photography, religion, and art follow me on Twitter @arturoviaggia
The Birth and Infancy of Jesus (Rome, Italy)
The papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located on Rome's Esquiline Hill, dates to the fifth century, perhaps replacing an earlier church. According to a popular tradition, the site was chosen after a miraculous snow storm in early August was sent by the Virgin Mary. Dedicated by Pope Sixtus III, it was one of the first churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary after the Council of Ephesus declared her Theotokos, or Mother of God, in 431.
One of the centerpieces of the basilica is the cycle of mosaics on the sanctuary arch. These date to the period of the construction of the basilica in the fifth century. They depict the narratives associated with the birth and infancy of Jesus. Many of these come from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, such as the Annunciation to Mary, the visit of the Magi, and the slaughter of the innocents. Some scenes also seem to be based on apocryphal accounts. At the base of the mosaic are representations of Jerusalem and Bethlehem as cities with magnificent jeweled walls. The name of Pope Sixtus III (here spelled Xystus) at the top center of the program identifies the bishop of Rome as the patron.
For more photography, religion, and art follow me on Twitter @arturoviaggia