The mosaic at San Clemente Church in in Rome is located in the apse of the church. Photographed at the church by Richard Stracke, shared under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license. But San Clemente's mosaic merges the iconography of Paradise with images of the Church in the contemporary world. San Clemente Church – Apse mosaic, Rome, Italy Mosaic details in San Clemente church, Rome, Italy The ceiling of the Basilica di San Clemente Heavenly imagery appears in intertwined biblical scenes with the tree of life and the cross, saints and symbolic flora and fauna such as the twelve sheep (apostles) approaching the Lamb of God. I encourage you to look at this picture of the Apse Mosaic of San Clemente and discover other symbols that Masolino da Panicale created and post them in the comment section below. Read more about Isaiah and Jeremiah. The Apse Mosaic at San Clemente. Apse mosaics, San Clemente, 12th century In the centre of the mosaic we see a symbolic crucifixion; the cross far larger than the figure of Christ around which vast doves, symbols of the Holy Spirit, roost. http://www.fisheaters.com/symbols.html (accessed December 3, 2011). Our mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. It is a mosaic consisting of mainly green and gold tesserae placed irregularly to intensify the shining of the gold pieces. It incorporated any number of familiar motifs from Early Christian mosaics, but combined them with distinctly medieval pictorial elements to create a new synthesis. At first glance it seems as though the Apse is a jumbled mess surrounding a simple crucifixion scene, however, the symbolism is simply genius as every image and character depicted holds great importance. The mosaic in San Clemente was the first great apse mosaic to have been produced in Rome in roughly two hundred years. Located at the base of the cross you will notice a tree, considered to be the tree of life. Twelve sheep face the … It incorporated any number of familiar motifs from Early Christian mosaics, but combined them with distinctly medieval pictorial elements to create a new synthesis. The Basilica of Saint Clement (Italian: Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano) is a Roman Catholic minor basilica dedicated to Pope Clement I located in Rome, Italy. … Like the one at St. John Lateran, this apse mosaic centers on a cross that relates to a vision of Paradise. A few minutes walk up the road from the Colosseum (stop and peer over the railings into the remains of the Ludus Magnus – the gladiators’ barracks and practice arena) is the Basilica of St Clement. Between the shepherds, peacocks, geese, ducks and deer lap up the healing waters from the four rivers of Paradise. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Read more about crosses and lambs in Christian symbolism. It is referred to as “the mosaic in the apse of St. Clement’s Basilica.” However, also by consensus, it is also referred to as the Tree of Life.  Tucciarone, Tracy. San Clemente, Rome. Hence, officially San Clemente refers to San Clemente a Monte Sacro and the basilica is San Clemente al Laterano. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Start studying Symbolisms of "tree of life" - apse mosaic in San Clemente, Rome. ( Log Out /  The peacock is also a popular symbol used by the Catholic Church and can be found all throughout early Christian art. File history. 12th or 13th century Apse mosaic, Basilica of San Clemente, Rome, 1130s (photo: James Stringer, CC BY-NC 2.0) Grafted onto this bucolic scene are explicitly Christian themes. It was deliberately done in an 'antique' style, using symbols and designs inspired by the earliest Christian art in the catacombs. Between the shepherds, peacocks, geese, ducks and deer lap up the healing waters from the four rivers of Paradise. In Bethlehem we see an image of the boy Christ and of another boy running down a flight of stairs; in Jerusalem a cross and a cock remind viewers that this city was the scene of the Crucifixion and of Peter's denial. ( Log Out /  The risen and regnant Christ is above the entire work, in a medallion over the highest point of the arch. The Apostles are again represented at the very bottom of the Mosaic as twelve sheep. The Apse at San Clemente, Rome The Apse Mosaic at San Clemente Like the one at St. John Lateran, this apse mosaic centers on a cross that relates to a vision of Paradise. Psalm 42–43. Branching out from the tree on both sides are swirling vines that cover the entire mosaic branching out to all of humanity. 42:1, "As the hart panteth after the fountains of water; so my soul panteth after thee, O God." The mosaic is drenched in so much symbolism, that it will take chapters to discuss them all. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. This is the currently selected item. First, the apostles appear as doves surrounding Jesus on the cross. Romanesque art in Spain. Commentary by . So let us narrow our focus on the central meaning, and that is the Church is the Mystical Body of Christ. 2011. http://www.aug.edu/augusta/iconography/sanClemente/apse.html (accessed 2011). The Church of San Clemente in Rome. The Second Tree of Life. Few people take any notice of this in real life -although the author of the Italian Wikipedia article has. Jesus used the metaphor of sheep throughout the New Testament and was also referred to as the Lamb of God. The Apostles are represented several different ways in the mosaic. I am fond of the analogy between tradition and one building in particular, the church of San Clemente in Rome, near the Colosseum. Open in image viewer. ( Log Out /  According to ancient beliefs, the Peacock had pure immortal flesh, which is exactly why it became associated with the resurrection of Christ.  Stracke, J.R. Ecclesiam Christi viti similabimus isti de ligno crucis Jacobi dens, Ignatiiq[ue] insupra scripti requiescunt corpore Christi quam lex arentem, sed crux facit esse virentem. A sample of the symbols in this mosaic alone include: Lamb of God (center) = Jesus Twelve lambs (bottom) = twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles The Romanesque churches of Tuscany: San Miniato in Florence and Pisa Cathedral. The focal point of the apse mosaic is the cross, which is planted in a font from which flow water and grows two large vines. The Apse Mosaic at San Clemente: Detail, Tree of Life, stags at streams, Lamb of God As usual, the number of streams is four, reflecting the four rivers in the Garden of Eden.            PREVIOUS                              NEXT. Once inside, you can not miss the beautifully painted ceiling or the original golden mosaic strikingly lit up in the apse. But San Clemente's mosaic merges the iconography of Paradise with images of the Church in the contemporary world. As we prepare to celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14, my mind turns to my favourite crucifix: a 12th-century mosaic set in the apse of the church of San Clemente in Rome. The 12th-century mosaic of the crucifix in the apse of Rome’s basilica of San Clemente. Twelfth century apse mosaic, Basilica of San Clemente, Rome – This exceptional mosaic vividly represents the image of the cross with vines, which was commonly depicted in the Middle Byzantine period. Largely due to the Norman Sack of Rome, this mid-level church was severely damaged in 1084 AD. The cross itself is actually a complete crucifixion scene with Mary and St. John beside it and the hand of God the Father above, tendering a wreath of victory to Christ. Masolino da Panicale filled this mosaic with early Christian symbolism, which makes for a very interesting piece to observe and to reflect upon. The Tree of Life (Apse Mosaic of San Clemente), c.1130, Mosaic, Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano, Rome, Scala / Art Resource, NY. One of the best-known representations of the Cross as the 'Tree of Life' is the 12th century mosiac in the Basilica of San Clemente, Rome.Where the Cross penetrates the earth a luxuriant tree bursts forth and sends its branches far and wide, covering the entire expanse of the apse. The dedication is to Pope St Clement I. The Apse at San Clemente is filled with symbolism and such magnificent beauty that it will leave you in a state of admiration. It was made in the twelfth century and is similar to the christian mosaic style. Christian Symbols. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. The apse mosaic, which sits above the high altar of San Clemente as the basilica’s crowning jewel, presents itself as a fitting subject for reflection as we celebrate the feast of Pope St. Clement on this Friday, November 23, 2012. See more ideas about byzantine mosaic, byzantine, byzantine art. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Jan 21, 2019 - Explore Joseph Sigur's board "Byzantine Mosaics" on Pinterest. Below this inscription the apostles are represented by twelve sheep that face toward the Lamb of God, an image based on the Book of Revelation. Some may even refer to the cross itself as being the tree of life which can be seen with the way the cross emerges out of the tree and is then wrapped with the vines. Next lesson. The Apse at San Clemente is filled with symbolism and such magnificent beauty that it will leave you in a state of admiration. Two deer are drinking these waters flowing out the tree of life. The Basilica of St. Clement (Basilica di San Clemente) is a unique church, definitely worth visiting for everyone who wants to feel that the “Eternal City” is not just a figure of speech but a reflection of reality. Eventually rebuilt, the top tier of the Basilica of San Clemente was completed during the 12th Century. Above the two towns are Isaiah (left side) and Jeremiah (right side) and two pairs of saints: St. Lawrence and St. Paul on the left, St. Clement and St. Peter on the right. Step into the latest church to admire its resplendent mosaics File usage. Date/Time Thumbnail Dimensions User Comment; current: 22:27, 10 May 2017: 1,436 × 2,040 (1.01 MB) Pharos: GWToolset: Creating mediafile for Pharos. The church site of San Clemente in Rome has a history dating back to the first century AD, when it was a nobleman’s house and the site of clandestine Christian worship services. Sort by: Top Voted. In the Catholic faith doves are symbols of peace and is a sign of the Holy Spirit filling the earth on Pentecost. Read more about Saints Peter, Paul, and Clement. Media in category "San Clemente (Rome) - Apse" The following 25 files are in this category, out of 25 total. Mosaic And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” Through the crucifixion people of all nations are saved. Both are presented as loci of historical events, not as heavenly idealizations. The hand of God reaches down from the jewelled heavens to complete the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There is a third church dedicated to the saint in Rome, San Clem… Hayes, Holly. Both are presented as loci of historical events, not as heavenly idealizations. San Clemente In Rome. The mosaic in San Clemente was the first great apse mosaic to have been produced in Rome in roughly two hundred years. Click on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. Thus its most prominent feature is a vast vine studded with figures of lords and stewards, Doctors of the Church, and peasants (example) engaged in their daily tasks. Read more about stag symbolism. The church we see from the street today was built in 1108 AD. In the body of Christ above this inscription rest [some] wood from the Cross, a tooth of James, and of Ignatius." The central lamb has a cruciform halo, symbolizing Christ. At first glance it seems as though the Apse is a jumbled mess surrounding a simple crucifixion scene, however, the symbolism is simply genius as every image and character depicted holds great importance. There are what seem to be endless amounts of symbols in this mosaic and each time you look at it there is something new to analyze. Where the apse meets the flat surface of the east end of the nave, the mosaic represents Bethlehem on the left and Jerusalem on the right. ς Α΄ -Clemens I Romanus - Климент I - Pope Saint Clement I The center of the mosaic is a complete crucifixion scene with the Virgin Mary on Jesus’ right and John on the left. The Diocese has a rule on church names, which gives priority to parish churches even over minor basilicas. The Basilica of San Clemente, located in the heart of medieval Rome, is an example of this faithful copying. Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death, PREVIOUS                              NEXT. An excerpt from our longer film, Empire of the Cross; this segment focuses on the stunning and intricate apse mosaic in the historic Basilica of San Clemente in Rome. ( Log Out /  Rom, Basilika San Clemente, Apsis 3.jpg 3,034 × 2,286; 5.56 MB Apse Mosaic, San Clemente, Rome. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb from God. Church of San Clemente, Rome. The tree of life is a reference from Revelations 22:2. “On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. Although there is still speculation over who really painted the Apse at San Clemente, it is most commonly accepted that it is the work of Masolino da Panicale. The vine is identified as the Church by an inscription along the band just above the sheep: Ecclesiam Christi viti similabimus isti de ligno crucis Jacobi dens, Ignatiiq[ue] insupra scripti requiescunt corpore Christi quam lex arentem, sed crux facit esse virentem, "We have likened the Church of Christ to this vine; the Law made it wither but the Cross made it bloom. The vine grows out of the tree at the base of the cross, from which flow the four rivers of Eden. , 2019 - Explore Joseph Sigur 's board `` byzantine mosaics '' on Pinterest waters from jewelled... Represented several different ways in the heart of medieval Rome, is an example of faithful... 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