The narthex of the Agia Sophia church is entered through the doorway underneath the mosaic of Justinian and Constantine. It is a long, high, rather dark hallway with nine bays. On the right are nine doorways, all leading into the nave. The central or Imperial Door was reserved for the use of the emperor and his attendants, and provides the most perfect approach to the interior of the church.

In the lunette over the doorway is a mosaic of Christ on His Throne with (almost certainly) the emperor Leo VI (886-912) performing proskynesis - an act of homage normally made before (and not by) the emperor, where the subject falls on his knees, touches the ground with his forehead and holds his outstretched hands in supplication.

In the open book held by Christ are the words: `Peace be unto you. I am the Light of the World.’ Christ is Wisdom, Light and Peace. He is flanked by two busts in roundels: the Virgin Mary (the instrument of the Incarnation) and the Archangel Gabriel (the messenger of the Incarnation). The Virgin’s outstretched hands are interceding with her Son on the emperor’s behalf, her hands echoing those of the emperor in gesture and direction.

This is, and is intended to be, a terrifying image of power and majesty, which would have impressed both the emperor and his subjects. Although created about too years earlier than the mosaic of Justinian and Constantine, the style of the drapery, as befits the subject, is more abstract.

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