Graffito-Drawing of an Exotic Predatory Animal from the West Gallery of Hagia Sophia, Constantinople (Istanbul)

Authors:

Pages: 125-139
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/VRAG6270

Abstract:

The paper deals with a rare example of a graffito-drawing of a leaping exotic predatory animal, most likely a lion, on the marble wall of the west gallery in the church of Hagia Sophia. In view of the posture, the represented animal is turned at 180° to the viewer in a classical pose with probable origin from a Roman floor mosaic with a hunting scene or a ‘book with a collection of classic patterns’ used by mosaicists in their work. Due to his artistic prowess, the anonymous author is most likely an artist. It is not without reason to assume that the wild beast on the marble is a drawing in which the author exercises his drawing talent through a model of an animal from a floor mosaic thus provoking a general positive association for victory over an enemy.The chronological framework for its creation lies between the 6th (after 27.12.537) and the 8th century.

Keywords:

graffiti; Hagia Sophia; animal; lion; floor mosaic; classic posture.

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