which depicts Emperor Basil II (r.976–1025), broad of shoulder and well-armed, as
cowering figures grovel beneath his feet, and Christ, helped by an archangel, places a
crown on his head.
Plate 4.1: Emperor Basil II (r.976–1025). Painted on shiny gold leaf, this depiction of Emperor Basil II
shows him triumphant over his enemies. Beneath his armor he is wearing a long-sleeved purple tunic
trimmed with gold. Two archangels hover above him. Gabriel, on the left, gives him a lance, while Michael,