Ancient reminiscences in the iconography of the apsidal wall painting in the Church of St. John the Baptist in Prague-Hostivař
2023
Abstract
Apse of the Church of St. John the Baptist in Selská Street in Prague's Old Hostivař heritage zone hid a valuable wall painting for many centuries, which was uncovered and restored during the recent revitalization of the church.
The central theme of this painting is the enthroned Christ in majesty (Maiestas Domini). The paper examines the individual iconographic elements of the apsidal composition, for which patterns can be found in ancient imperial and ecclesiastical art, as well as the specific iconography of Christ as the victor over evil and death.