Empress Zoe and Constantine IX, Hagia Sophia
Byzantine mosaicists · 1042
Why it's great
In a golden mosaic in the church of Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Empress Zoe and her husband Constantine IX stand on each side of Christ and offer gifts. It was made in the 1000s, when Constantinople was one of the richest cities on Earth.
🏛️ Part of history
Byzantium & the Fall of Constantinople (527–1453) — In a golden mosaic in the church of Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Empress Zoe and her husband Constantine IX stand on each side of Christ and offer gifts.
Where to see it
📍 Location not recordedWe couldn't confirm where it hangs today. Museums sometimes move or lend paintings, so check the museum's website before you travel.
Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
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The mosaics of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople were made by Byzantine artists whose names are not known. They placed thousands of tiny pieces of colored glass and gold in the plaster, creating images that glitter in candlelight, over several centuries.
