5 of 5
Fresco with the Burial of Christ

Monastery of Hosios Loukas, Phokis, crypt, early 11th century
Photo: Natalia Teteriatnikov

Christ’s burial (left) illustrates the ritual of placing the dead
body in the tomb. As a symbol of salvation, the scene of Christ’s burial was illustrated widely in Byzantine art, and had a particular importance for private devotions. Here, the fresco of Christ’s burial is located immediately in front of the tomb of the deceased (?). This juxtaposition of the tomb and the image suggests that the subject of Christ’s burial was used as a metaphor for human salvation.

FUNERAL AND BURIAL RITUALS

Document Actions