Hagia Sophia's Deësis mosaic: Jesus, Mary, John the Baptist.

A stunning 13th-century Byzantine mosaic from the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, depicting the Deësis. At its heart, Jesus Christ, identified by his halo and the inscription 'IC XC', offers a blessing while holding a Gospel. He is flanked by the partially visible Virgin Mary ('ΜΡ ΘΥ') on his left and Saint John the Baptist ('Ο ΑΓΙΟΣ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΣ Ο ΠΡΟΔΡΟΜΟΣ') on his right. This iconic scene portrays Mary and John as intercessors, appealing to Christ for mercy on behalf of humanity during the Last Judgment, a profound theological message conveyed through intricate gold and colored tesserae, despite the visible wear and damage.