Mosaic Ceiling of the Baptistery of Saint John, Firenze

The Baptistery is covered with an impressive mosaic ceiling which dates from 1225. The early sections were completed  by a Franciscan friar, Jacopo da Torrita. The decoration of the entire ceiling took over one hundred years to complete.

The central section of the mosaic above the high altar portrays the Last Judgement. Christ is shown flanked by the Angels of Judgement. Those who have been saved join Christ on his right side whereas the dammed are variously burned, roasted, crushed, bitten, gnawed and chewed as they suffer in hell on his left side.

The other tiers depict in descending order: Choirs of Angels, Thrones, Dominations and Powers, scenes from Genesis, scenes from the lives of Joseph, the Madonna and Christ and John the Baptist.

The drum which supports the ceiling is decorated with several heads of prophets by Gaddo Gaddi (1239-1312).

© 2007 LACT Limited. All rights reserved. Image published under GNU Free Documentation License version 1.2 or later.

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