Figure 12.1The mosaic and fresco interior of Kyiv’s eleventh-century Sofiia Cathedral
demonstrates the three layers of church decoration: the uppermost heavenly realm where Christ
Pantocrator looks down (not shown); a middle range focusing on the incarnation of Christ, with
imagery of the Mother of God, Christ, and his disciples; at street level images of saints providing
models of Christ-like righteousness. The scene of the Annunciation—Archangel Gabriel
announces to Mary the virgin birth—is typically included on the arch. Photo: Jack Kollmann.
246 The Russian Empire 1450– 1801