This is a second shot from our visit to St Oswald's Church in Fulford, York. It shows part of a Venetian glass mosaic reredos by Salviati, located behind the altar in the chancel. The central images represent St Matthew and St Mark.
This was installed in the new church which was opened in 1866, replacing a much smaller church closer to the River Ouse. Sadly the new church was seriously damaged by fire in 1877, being rebuilt and reopened in 1878. Fortunately this reredos survived the fire and remains for us to enjoy today.
That's interesting - Mark is the Lion because his gospel comes in like a lion with John the Baptist, Matthew is the man because his gospel starts with the genealogies. (John is symbolised as an eagle as his gospel soars over the themes and Luke as a winged ox - the pulpit here has all of those symbols carved as sculptures surrounding the steps up)
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
This shot shows only two out of nine panels of this mosaic. The missing ones were equally impressive.
Ian
Thank you Shanne. The symbolism of what can be seen in a church is really interesting.
Ian
Thank you Vesna, I'm pleased that you like it!
Ian
Thank you Paul. I thought this an impressive piece of work.
Ian