One of the oldest and most important churches in Rome is Santa Prassede (in Latin: Basilica Sanctae Praxedis). Here is where Sts. Cyril and Methodius lived while in Rome in the adjoining Benedictine monastery complex. Here visitors gather to see the pray before one of the columns that Christ was scourged upon. They also marvel at the precious mosaic works from the time of Pope Pascal I. There are other gems, too, such as the carved bust of Bishop Santoni, the first sculptural work by Bernini.
The images here illustrate the small chapel off of the side, inspired by the classical mausoleums of ancient times. This is the chapel of St. Zenon, the most important Byzantine monument preserved in Rome. It was commissioned by Pope Pascal I to be the monumental tomb of his mother, Theodora. Inside can be seen splendid mosaics depicting saints. The vault depicts the Savior in a medallion held by four angels.
These mosaics date from when the basilica was enlarged and decorated by Pope Paschal I in about 828. Paschal, who reigned rom 817-824, despite his short reign, was at the tip of the spear to help propel the Carolingian Renaissance that had been started and advocated by the Emperor Charlemagne. These great men sought to return to the foundations of Christian beauty. Thus was unleashed in Rome an unprecedented church building campaign.
The decorative program of mosaics in this church is thus of tremendous importance. The work was completed by professional mosaicists who completed mosaic works in the apse, the apsidal arch, and a triumphal arch, not to mention the chapel of St. Zenon. The depiction of St. Paschal is with a square halo, to depict him as still living, presenting a model of the church as an offering to Christ. Below is an inscription of his, hoping that this offering will be sufficient to secure his place in heaven.
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