The Crucifixion: The Second Golden Age

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The end of the iconoclast controversy has come, and the beginning of the Macedonian dynasty and/or Second Golden Age has initiated. Therefore, the art of religious figures and holy images were making frequent reappearances. Most of these images were in mosaic form. Mosaics became a prime art form during the Byzantine times. They were made by implanting normal-sized, naturally colored stones, composed with opaque glass, into a soft cement or plaster. The material presented a great variety of diverse colors.
One of the prime mosaics of the Second Golden Age was the Crucifixion. This mosaic was present at Daphni, which is near Athens, Greece, in the Church of the Dormition. The image depicts Jesus Christ on the cross. Many viewers of the painting analyzed the details and …show more content…

The gestures of Virgin Mary and Saint John give them further purpose and reason to be portrayed in the image. In a way, the Justinian aspects highlight the interaction between all three figures and introduces a Classical-styled artistic theme of human interaction that can be felt by the viewers. Jesus’ head is bowed, body is slumped, and eyes are positioned downward. Initially, I thought he was just looking down at the skull but then I thought maybe Jesus is looking towards Virgin Mary and Saint John. As the son of Virgin Mary, who would care for her when He was gone? Hence, Jesus is putting trust in Saint John to care for His mother after He is crucified. The combination of the Classical human reaction, Justinian’s supple gestures, and reverse perspective conveys an emotion in the mosaic that differ from the actual biblical event. This unique interpretation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ portrays Him as vulnerable, helpless, and concerned, instead of the original characteristics of strong-willed, powerful, wise, and willing the