Black-eyed Jesus, thick red hair framed by a golden halo. Detail of a Christ in Majesty fresco, painted in the early-1100s, in the cathédrale Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte at Nevers, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France.
Nevers, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France: close-up to Christ in Majesty in this head and shoulders detail view of a massive medieval fresco filling the western apse of the ancient cathédrale Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte de Nevers. The dark eyes of the Christ in Majesty or Christ in Glory have stared searchingly down at worshippers ever since the fresco was painted around nine centuries ago. Jesus, his reddish hair offset by a golden halo, sits on a throne to symbolise his status as king of the world, his right hand raised in a gesture of benediction. The composition is surrounded by a painted mandorla or pointed frame. Nevers is unusual among French cathedrals in that it is really two structures in one. The western apse and transept are part of the first Romanesque cathedral, built in the 11th century with a west-facing chancel. Much of that building was destroyed by fire in the 13th century and another cathedral was then added to those parts of the Romanesque church still standing. By the 1500s, the building had gained an eastern apse and Gothic chapels radiating from its east-facing choir. The cathedral was badly damaged by Second World War bombs, but has since been extensively restored. Contemporary stained glass now fills the windows and the Christ in Majesty fresco has undergone thorough conservation and restoration work.
Size: 3872px × 2592px
Location: Nevers, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France.
Photo credit: © Terence Kerr / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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