Medieval frescoes unearthed in Slovakia

[FfFfFfFF 58,151]

In a surprising revelation, medieval frescoes have been uncovered in the Slovakian village of Sása. The frescoes were found in the sacristy of the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, which was constructed in the 13th century.

The artwork came to light when parts of the original plaster were removed. The frescoes include a vivid scene of the Crucifixion, the face of Christ, and symbols of the evangelists.

Notable details also include portraits of Jesus at the center of an altar and saints on either side, along with a large depiction of Maiestas Domini—Christ in a mandorla. 

These figures, rendered with high-quality craftsmanship, bear stylistic influences from both Italian and Byzantine art traditions, suggesting a master artist from Italy.

Source: https://www.medievalists.net/2024/11/medieval-frescoes-discovered-in-slovakia/

[Creyk 18,670]

Even the fresco wants to return for Mayhem release

[Ayesha Erotica 1,924]

Very precious treasures found in Slovakia. @FfFfFfFF How common are displays of mandorla as compared to a halo in Orthodox faith? Do they have the same meaning?

[FfFfFfFF 58,151]

18 hours ago, AyeshaErotica said:

Very precious treasures found in Slovakia. @FfFfFfFF How common are displays of mandorla as compared to a halo in Orthodox faith? Do they have the same meaning?

This is a genuinely cool question! 

Spoiler

Well, much of the artistic heritage of the West and East is shared, from the Paleo-Christian to the High Medieval era. As such, most of the visual idiom and symbolism in Western (Gothic) and Eastern (Byzantine) iconography is similar. The mandorla is a constituive part of the Byzantine tradition and can be found in many examples, including Chora Monastery's Anastasios fresco and Dormition mosaic (which are fundamental because they set the tone for medieval Byzantine art).

Needless to say, the mandorla is also found in the West and is an especially common element in the wall murals of Romanesque churches, like the iconic apse of UNESCO Heritage site Sant Climent, Taull in Catalonia (Spain).

The Byzantine painting style and themes from Chora Monastery, which is also listed on the UNESCO Heritage List, were later emulated across the Balkans and beyond. Below there are more examples from Cyprus, Bulgaria, North Macedonia:

.. as well as an example of Ruthenian-Byzantine art from the Lublin Castle's Chapel in Poland, which also displays a mandorla: 

The mandorla signifies the intersection between 2 circles (which in Neoplatonic thought are deemed to be the representation of perfection). The mandorla displays holiness, life and the primordial, mystical origins of the world.  Halos serve a similar purpose of highlighting one's sanctity and otherwordliness in medieval art.