ΧΑΪΔΑΡΙ ΧΑΪΔΑΡΙ - ΣΥΝΑΝΤΗΣΗ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ | Page 151

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The mosaic decoration
of the Daphni Monastery
Daphni ows its reputation to its high quality mosaics.
Their grandeur is preserved until today, despite the
numerous damages caused by earthquakes, as well as
the mistakes in the restoration of F. Novo. Their stylistical
study suggests a date to the last decades of the 11th
century.
The iconographical programme follows the post-
Iconoclastic standards of Constantinople. Thus the dome
is dominated by Christ Pantocrator (Almighty), surrounded
by prophets, while squinches and other high parts of the
church are decorated with scenes from Christ’s life. This
programme symbolizes the new dogma after the re-
instatement of the icons in 843, such as the incarnation
of God, which made His depiction possible. Thus, His life
on earth became the axis of iconography.
The church was treated as a miniature of the universe.
The dome and apse symbolize heaven, which is why
Christ Pantocrator occupies the dome and is surrounded
by angels and prophets. Pendentives accommodate the
Evangelists that recorded His earthly sojourn. Scenes
from His life were placed at the upper parts of walls and
the drums of the arms of the cross. The lowest level is
occupied by saints. Virgin Mary is placed in the semi-
dome of the apse, as a link between people and God.
The rest of the apse features themes of the Holly Liturgy,
such as the Communion of the Apostles and the Fathers
of the Church.
Daphni follows the above pattern with the additional
emphasis upon the life of the Virgin, a frequent
phenomenon in post-iconoclastic programmes. The
awesome Pantocrator is depicted as the stern judge.
Kosmas Politis has commented in his Lemon Forrest on
the austerity of the figure, achieved through the strong
eybrows and dense beard. The marked stylization is
removed from Classicist art ideals and adds to the
tension of His expression. The dome drum featured
sixteen frontally depicted prophets. Their relaxed posture,
The figure of transfigured Christ; detail from the Transfiguration scene
in the northwest squinch of the Daphni catholicon.