More photographs of Aya Sofya

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A later mosaic in the South Gallery shows a traditional representation of the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist with Christ. This mosaic dates back to 1261. It is considered to be a pioneer for the Byzantine art in Renaissance period with its soft tones, the intense humanity and the emotional realism on the faces of the figures.
There are two mosaics at the East end of the South Gallery. The first shows the Virgin Mary standing between the Emperor John II Comnenus and his wife Irene. She is holding child Christ. The second shows Jesus Christ is sitting on a throne decorated with jewels. On his left stands Empress Zoe and on his right is the Emperor Constantine IX.
Also in the East end of the Church are the remains of mosaics of archangels Michael and Gabriel. Michael is largely destroyed but Gabriel mostly remains.
The final mosaic dates back to the 10th century and shows Emperor Alexander is wearing a ceremonial Byzantine dress and the camelaucum, an imperial crown.