Apse mosaic: Praxedes and Pudentiana
The apse mosaic of the basilica of St. Pudentiana (Rome) featuring sisters Praxedes and Pudentiana
Apse mosaic: Praxedes and Pudentiana
Year: late 300s
VM number: 0016
Description: Jesus enthroned in center of apse mosaic with four winged creatures appearing above him. He extends two fingers of his right hand; in his left, an open book with inscription that means, "God is preserver of church of Pudentiana." Below him, five apostles and a woman on both sides. The two women are Praxedes and Pudentiana; they are extending crowns over the heads of two apostles, possibly Paul and Peter. The apostle on the left, closest to Jesus, holds a book with inscription.
Century: 4th century
Photographer: Graham, Shala
Date Taken: December 31, 2022
Location: Basilica di Santa Pudenziana (Basilica of S. Pudenziana)
Art Commentary: The mosaic depicts Christ Pantocrator, the Almighty, in a scene out of Revelation 4. He is pointing with two fingers, a Nicene symbol of Jesus’ two natures. The apostles sit on either side of Him, while the four creatures representing possibly the four evangelists (angel, lion, ox, eagle) hover above the scene. The twelve apostles, two of whose images in the mosaic were lost over the years, sit at the table on both sides of Christ, who is centered. They all gesture among themselves, while two women, Praxedes and Pudentiana, one on either side of Christ, hold crowns over the heads of the two closest to Christ. The bearded men are dressed in the toga, senatorial dress. Christ himself is on an ornate throne.
