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St. Eusebia of Mylassa

Menologion of Basil II, p. 330, Byzantine (Constantinople), ca. 1000
Vatican Library
Photo: Vatican Library

The artist depicts the death scene of the 5th-century female saint. St. Eusebia is lying on a pallet. Although no funeral ceremony is presented here, the artist uses the language of gesture to inform the viewer about the saint’s fate. One of the women at Eusebia’s feet is pointing toward her, whereas the elderly man at her head, probably a monk, points up toward an arc of heaven. A cross, which is considerably deteriorated, is suspended at the center of the arc.
DEATH OF CLERGY, MONKS, AND LAYMEN

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