The Pentecost and Mother of God Mosaic During the Byzantine Empire, which lasted from the 5th Century AD to the fall of its capital, Constantinople, in the year 1453, many Christian churches were constructed. These churches were lavishly decorated on the interior by large mosaics, images formed by small pieces of colored glass that were affixed to the walls and ceilings, that depicted both narratives from the Bible and icons that were venerated by the faithful …showed first 75 words of 1481 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1481 total…symbolism and iconography. The Monastery of the Hosios Loukas illustrates this style in its Pentecost and Mother of God mosaics. They use symbolism and characteristic Byzantine style to delineate to the viewer both a narrative and a portrayal of an icon. Both the narrative and the icon relay the message to the viewer that if one follows in the path of the Lord they will be blessed with eternal life in Heaven when they die.