Hagia Sophia Imperial Gate mosaic
The Imperial Gate mosaic is located on the tympanum above the imperial door leading to the narthex. In the middle of the scene depicted, Jesus Christ is seen sitting on a throne. Emperor Leo VI with a halo over his head is giving proskynesis, an act of respect – to Christ. With his right hand, Christ is blessing the emperor, and his left hand is holding a book written “Peace be with you. I am the light of the world” on it. At the level of Christ’s shoulders, we see that in the medallion on the right, Mary, Mother of Christ, and in the medallion on the left the Archangel Gabriel.
