About the mosaic

This mosaic is a portrayal of the Tree of Life; it resides in the dome of the narthex of the Cathedral of San Marco in Venice, Italy. This theme was itself modeled after a 6th century illustrated Book of Genesis from the city of Constantinople.

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“Today is lifted up from the hidden places of the earth the Tree of life on which Christ was nailed, confirming our faith in the Resurrection. And exalted on high by priestly hands, it proclaims His ascension into Heaven, whereby our nature, lifted from its fallen state on earth, is made a citizen of heaven. Therefore let us cry in thanksgiving: O Lord who wast raised upon the Cross, Thou has raised us with Thyself; count worthy of the joy of heaven those that praise Thee. ...

“Today He Who is by nature unapproachable, becomes approachable for me, and suffers His Passion, thus setting me free from passions. He who grants light unto the blink is spat upon by the mouths of the transgressors, and He give His back to scourging for the sake of those that are captive...”
—The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross: Stichera from Matins