Page 19 - StCecilia

Onsite visit

St Cecilia’s statue in the church

Apse Mosaic

he apse above the choir is decorated with a fine 9th-centu-
ry mosaic on the theme of the Second Coming, which is
T quite similar to the one at Santa Prassede. It consists of
seven standing figures—Christ in the centre flanked by three
saints on each side—against a background of a meadow with
flowers, palm trees and sunset-lit clouds. At the top of the trium-
phal arch is the monogram of Pope Paschal I, who built the church.
Paschal also appears on the left of the mosaic, with a square
nimbus indicating he was alive at the time it was made. Above his
head is a small phoenix, symbol of resurrection, and next to him
are St Paul and St Agatha. Christ is in the centre, his left hand
holding a scroll and his right hand raised in blessing. Above him
is the Hand of God. On the right stand St Peter, St Valerian (Cecil-
ia’s husband) and St Cecilia. Peter holds his keys and the latter two
hold martyrs’ crowns.

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