apr 20, 773 - Evidence of
Iconoclasm in
Hagia Sophia
Description:
Sekreton gallery of Hagia Sophia, Constantinople, constructed 532-537, alterations to decoration date from 8th century
After Leo III issued his edict ordering the removal of figural images from churches in 730, images of crosses often replaced previous decorations. In this case, the images of the vine, symbolizing the Eucharistic offering of wine as the Blood of Christ and Christ as the True Vine, were left because they did not offend iconoclast sensibilities.
The remnants of text beneath the medallions seem to have once spelled Hagios, indicating that the crosses replaced images of saints.
Relevant terms: Leo III, Iconoclasm, sekreton
Added to timeline:
Early Christian and Byzantine Art
Date:
Images:
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