Constantinople: Capital frieze and inscription in the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Little Hagia Sophia or the Küçük Ayasofya mosque)
| Department | Archive |
|---|---|
| Collection | BSA SPHS Image Collection |
| Reference No. | BSA SPHS 01/3720.C0902 |
| Level | Item |
| Description | Glass negative, quarter plate size, a copy negative taken from a photographic print or postcard. |
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 8 cm |
| Place |
Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Istanbul |
| Dates | Latest 1923 |
| Donor/Creator |
The Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies Sebah & Joaillier |
| Scope and Content | The original description in the SPHS register reads: "Constantinople, SS Sergius & Bacchus caps frieze and inscription". |
| Notes | Latest date based on the inclusion in the 1923 list of accessions to the slide catalogue. The caption "[N]o. 929 . Petite Ste Sophie" and the photographic studio of "Sebah & Joallier" printed on the bottom of the photograph. |
| Further information | The church of Hagioi Sergios and Bakchos is one of the most important monuments of early Byzantine architecture. It was erected by Justinian between 527 and 536 at Hormisdas palace, below the Hippodrome, and stands, apart from minor modifications and the Turkish portico on the west façade, impressively intact to date. An octagon with a square is linked to the tradition of octagonal palace churches with galleries expanding the central nave on diagonal axes, colourful columns and the finest architectural sculpture. The earlier basilica of Hagioi Petros and Paulos, with which it shared narthex and atrium, was erected by Justinian too, probably between 518 and 520. Together they must have formed a complex liturgical plan of twin churches in the early Byzantine period. |
| Reference |
1923 JHS 43: 9th accession to 1913 slide catalogue. lxi.SPHS C.902. Link to article |