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Spandrel Mosaic, St. Mark's Basilica
Spandrels are the corner spaces you get when
a dome is supported by four curved arches. In St. Mark's they have been
decorated with more beautiful mosaic imagery. The four spandrels beneath
the dome of the prophets refer to the vision of Ezekiel in the Old Testament,
of Yahweh in a chariot drawn by four winged creatures which have the faces
of a lion, an ox, an eagle, and a man. Coincidentally, throughout Venice
the winged lion represents Saint Mark, their patron saint. |
