Hagia Sophia Istanbul
Deesis
Deesis

In Byzantine art, a Deesis is a traditional representation of Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist, imploring Christ the salvation of man. This mosaic in Hagia Sophia is located in the upper south gallery, dating back to 1261. It is considered to be a pioneer for the Byzantine art in Renaissance period with its soft tones, the intense humanity and the emotional realism on the faces of the figures.