The Mandorla Symbol in Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Iconography of the Dormition: Function and Meaning

Abstract

The present study examines the use of the mandorla symbol in Byzantine and post-Byzantine iconography of the Dormition. The research aims to outline the reasons for the adoption of the mandorla in the iconographic scheme of the subject as a means of visualizing the heavenly Eden and the Glory of God’s presence. It traces the main stages in the development of the Dormition iconography and the creation of its principal models, highlighting the diversity of the patterns in the post-Byzantine art in the Balkans.

Keywords

• Dormition of the Theotokos
• Dormition iconography
• mandorla
• Glory of God
• Byzantine art
• post-Byzantine art