feb 20, 1147 - Martorana (St. Mary of the Admiral)

Description:

12th century
Palermo, Sicily

Built under patronage of Georgios Amer, who served as admiral of Muslim prince but then rose through the ranks under Roger II. He was of Greek-Byzantine origin

plan: cross-in-square plan, arch-framed squinches specific to Sicily

dome: Christ enthroned, surrounded by angels with elongated torsos, Greek inscription runs counter-clockwise

Donor panel: narthex, Georgios suppliant before Mary who hold scroll promising him absolution

Crowning of Roger II: narthex, Christ crowns Roger II who wears outdated Byzantine imperial garb, Roger II looks very similar to Christ--Christomimesis

terms: Roger II, Christomimesis

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