Mosaikker, religion og politikk. En komparativ analyse av apsismosaikkene i SS. Cosma e Damiano og S. Prassede, Roma

Abstract

The purpose of the present work is to analyse and discuss why Pope Paschal I (817-824) decorated his new church of S. Prassede in Esquilino with motives from the church of S. Cosma e Damiano at Forum. This building was converted from secular building for new use as church during the pontificat of Pope Felix IV (526-530). We know that Pope Felix IV decorated his church with mosaics, but a later dating for the mosaics on the apse arch to the pontificate of Sergius (687-701) is also possible. Anyway, the mosaics were there when Paschal chose his motives. The splendid apse mosaics depict Christ, Peter and Paul and titular saints of the churches. On the apse arch the Adoration of the Lamb by twenty-four elders can be seen. S. Prassede has also a triumphal arch with a new iconography, it is not derived from any known prototypes. What does this iconography tell us about Paschal I? As a startingpoint for the work the mosaics in SS. Cosma e Damiano will be analysed and discussed. Then there will be a comperative iconografical analysis of the mosaics in S. Prassede. At last there will be a contextual analysis. The early ninth century was a critical time for Rome, the pope was surronded by strong men. But Paschal had his projects: relic translations and basilica foundation.