Christ’s Throne

This 12_^th-century mosaic is found in the Cathedral of Monreale in Sicily (Italy). It depicts the empty throne of Christ, until he comes again. Empty? Not really, since Christ is actually present with us until the end of time, through the Holy Spirit, represented here by a dove. We recognize that it is indeed Christ’s throne from the fact that it is adorned with the instruments of his Passion, and a blue tunic, his garment as true man, has been placed on the seat. This iconographic motif is called “Etimasia” from the Greek eteomaïsia: “preparation” (on the image, in Latin letters: hethemasia). After we have wept when Jesus is placed in the tomb, the Church invites us to prepare ourselves well for his glorious return. 

Pierre-Marie Dumont
Etimasia, mosaic, 12^_th–13^_th c., Monreale Cathedral, Sicily. © akg-images / Ghigo Roli.