Poreč, Euphrasian Basilica, ciborium, dome vault, starry sky
OBJECT
OBJECT
Definition
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wall mosaic decoration
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Identification
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decorative complex
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Name/Dedication
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Ciborium of the Euphrasian Basilica, Poreč - Wall mosaic decoration
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SUBJECT
SUBJECT
Identification
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Ciborium of the Euphrasian Basilica, Poreč – Wall mosaic decoration
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Iconographic description
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This is a structure with a square layout and four marble columns supporting the same number of capitals of different shapes, some of which look like those from the basilica. An inscription on the western side of the stone cornice around the Annunciation scene attests that the ciborium was placed in 1272, as ordered by Otto, the Bishop of Poreč. This side of the ciborium is undoubtedly the most interesting, being the most visibly accessible. Here, the Annunciation scene is depicted, the same as the one decorating the Euphrasian basilica's central apse. The different sides of the ciborium host medallions depicting saints with their names inscribed. On the southern side, we find Maurus and Eleutherius, on the northern side, Acolyte and Projectus, while on the eastern side we can find Demetrius and Julian. The vault of the ciborium's dome is entirely covered with a light blue mosaic surface dotted with eight-pointed stars. A stone with a relief sculpture of a lamb has been inserted near the keystone.
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GEOGRAPHICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LOCATION
Country
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Croazia
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City
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Poreč
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Locality
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Parenzo
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SPECIFIC LOCATION
Typology
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church
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Qualification
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cathedral
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Denomination
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Euphrasian Basilica
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Date
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539 - 560
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Address
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Eufrazijeva ulica (Euphrasius Street)
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Specific location
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central nave, presbytery
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Notes
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The first stage of the building's construction may be dated back to around 313 AD. Later, the complex was repeatedly reconstructed and totally restored and decorated by Bishop Euphrasius between 539 and 560. The ciborium was commissioned by Bishop Otto in 1277 and was constructed on the 10th anniversary of Poreč's recognition of Venetian rule. The ciborium's artistic language (sculpture and mosaics) is that of the Venetian craftsmen working at that time in St. Mark's factory in Venice.
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LOCATION AND PROPERTY DATA
Original location
CHRONOLOGY
GENERAL CHRONOLOGY
SPECIFIC CHRONOLOGY
From
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1277
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ca.
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To
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1277
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Validity
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ca.
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bibliography
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PRELOG, MILAN La Basilica Eufrasiana a Parenzo
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CULTURAL DEFINITION
AUTHOR
COMMISSIONER
Name
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Otto
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Date
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13. century
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Circumstance of the commission
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construction of the ciborium
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Notes
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The marble ciborium, placed in 1277 in the apse of the Euphrasian Basilica, was commissioned by Bishop Otto. This is attested to by the inscription engraved on the western side of the ciborium.
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SUPPORT
SUPPORT
Typology
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fixed
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Material
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gravestone slab
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Notes
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The slab supporting the mosaic surface is made of marble.
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SUBGRADES
SUBGRADES
Notes
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The mosaic was laid with lime mortar on marble supports.
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TESSERAE
TESSERAE MATERIAL
Material
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limestone
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Color
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white
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Typology
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natural
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Use method
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On the edges of the halo, certain areas of the saints' faces, in the gowns and features of the individual saints, in the medallion rims.
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TESSERAE (2)
TESSERAE MATERIAL
Material
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marble
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Color
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light grey
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Typology
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natural
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Use method
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For the shade in the saints' faces and gowns, in certain areas of the architecture behind the figure of the Virgin Mary and the Annunciation.
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TESSERAE (3)
TESSERAE MATERIAL
Material
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gilded glass
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Color
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gold
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Typology
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artificial
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Use method
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For the background of the Annunciation scene and on the remaining three sides of the ciborium with figurative depictions, in the stars on the dome, on the backdrop behind the martyrs' figures, inside the medallions, and in the area around the inscription in the ciborium dome.
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TESSERAE (4)
TESSERAE MATERIAL
Material
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glass paste
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Color
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blue
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Typology
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artificial
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Use method
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For the sky in the ciborium dome, for the bottom near the figures of St. Demetrius and Julian, and in certain parts of their gowns.
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TESSERAE (5)
TESSERAE MATERIAL
Material
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marble
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Color
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black
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Typology
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natural
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Use method
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For the inscriptions with the names of the saints, on the inscription of the Annunciation scene in the ciborium dome.
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SIZES OF ARTWORK
SIZES OF ARTWORK
Unit of measurement
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cm
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Height
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407
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Width
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610
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PRESERVATION STATUS & RESTORATION
PRESERVATION STATUS
Date
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1895, ante | 1895
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Reference to the part
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Annunciation; St. Maurus and St. Eleutherius; St. Acolyte and St. Projectus; St. Demetrius and St. Julian; starry sky
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Description
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The mosaic is fairly well preserved even though many tiles have fallen off. There are also gaps and integrations which are impossible to date.
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RESTORATION
Date
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1895 - 1896
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Reference to the part
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Annunciation; St. Maurus and St. Eleutherius; St. Acolyte and St. Projectus; St. Demetrius and St. Julian; starry sky
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Description
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Pietro Bornia consolidated the figurative areas of all four depictions of the saints, and his assistant Lorenzo Sferco worked on the decorative areas. There are no documents attesting to the restored parts and the work performed. A segment of the ciborium dome was certainly restored, whereas the missing parts were integrated with mortar and painted with matching colours for a seamless look. The right rear corner of the mosaic surface was consolidated with numerous tiles plastered on the mortar bed with the help of small bronze clamps (BERNARDI 2006, I mosaici della basilica eufrasiana pp. 37, 228).
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LEGAL STATUS AND RESTRICTION
LEGAL STATUS
General indication
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property of the clergy
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Specific indication
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Dioceses of Poreč-Pula
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Address
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Trg J. Dobrile 2, Porec (J. Dobrile Square 2, Poreč)
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DOCUMENTARY & INFORMATIVE SOURCES
IMAGES
Poreč, Euphrasian Basilica, ciborium, dome vault, starry sky
IMAGES
Poreč, Euphrasian Basilica, ciborium
IMAGES
Poreč, Euphrasian Basilica, ciborium
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