Triumphal Arch Mosiacs, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

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THE MAJOR BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE

TRIUMPHAL ARCH MOSAICS (c430)

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The most fascinating bit of Santa Maria Maggiore is the Triumphal Arch, which is completely mosaiced with scenes about Mary and the Incarnation. The arch mosaics date from around 431, and were a public homage to the Marian outcome of the Council of Ephesus and, like the old testament mosaic panels in the nave, Pope Sixtus paid for the work out of his own pocket.

L: Saint Peter between Luke's Bull and Matthew's Man.

C: A crown and mantle surmount the Throne of God, on which rest the Book of the Apocalypse and the New Law.

R: Saint Paul between Mark's Lion and John's Eagle

"Bishop Sixtus to the people of God"

Apart from the top centrepiece, there are 8 scenes, all shown in chronological sequence below - though in the arch layout, the chronology is mixed up.

1. Mary is annunciated whilst an angel also briefs Joseph.

3. The Magnificent Magi visit Mary, Joseph and their baby, and one of them points to "the star".

2. The magnificent Magi visit Herod and ask where the baby King is - their gear is mirrored by that worn by the Magi in Sant'Apolliniare Nuovo in Ravenna.

3. The magnificent Magi visit Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and angels, and one of them points to "the star".

4. Mary, Joseph, Jesus and angel escort go to the temple and meet the prophetess Anna, old Simeon and the tribes of Israel. On the right an angel tells Joseph to flee with his family to Egypt.

6. The holy family arrive in Egypt and King Aphrodisias is converted.

5. Herod panics and orders all male children up to 2 years old to be killed.

6. The holy family arrive in Egypt and King Aphrodisias is converted.

Above 7: Bethlehem, where it all began. The Eagle of St John and the white robed extras at the left is actually on the apse arch, which is a few meters further back and dates from a major extension of the church in the late 1200s.

Left 8: Jerusalem, where it all ended, or indeed began in earnest.

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