Apse of Santa Maria d'Àneu
The decoration of the apse of Santa Maria d'Àneu, by the Master of Pedret, is an example of overlapping themes and motifs from the Old and New Testaments in Catalan Romanesque painting. On the vault is represented the Epiphany, with Mary in Majesty and the Magi. In the lower register can be seen the two seraphim from the vision of Isaiah in the temple of Jerusalem (Isaiah 6: 3-6) singing 'S(AN)C(TU)S S(AN)C(TU)S S(AN)C(TU)S' and holding out the tongs with the burning coals to the lips of the prophets Elijah and Isaiah. In the middle, the four wheels of the fiery chariot of Yahweh are an allusion to the vision of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:15). It's also important to note the central role of the three archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, advocates on the Day of Judgement. This original subject matter has its origin in Italian repertories with Byzantine influences.
- If you want to know more about Apse of Santa Maria d'Àneu, click here and you will have access to the Second Canvas guide, where you will find more about the history and details of this work.
- Listen to Hymnus III, which includes the praise to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
End of 11th century – beginning of 12th century
700 x 410 x 210 cm
Purchased by the Junta de Museus in the 1919-1923 campaign
015874-000