MOSAIC ARTIST, Italian
(active 1130s in Rome)

Apse mosaic (detail)

1130s
Mosaic
San Clemente, Rome

The church of San Clemente was rebuilt over the buried remnants of the destroyed old basilica on the order of pope Pascal II in 1110. The rich furnishings of the church reflected the formal repertoire of early Christian churches. Many of the erstwhile were integrated in the new project. The mosaic representing the Cross of Life is one of the new works. Its gleaming blue recalls the art of "email", or baked enamel. Mary and John flank the upright of the cross, at whose foot emerge the four rivers of paradise. Twelve white doves embodying the Apostles perch on the joist and crossbeam.