A Chromolithograph

of

"The Palatine Chapel at Palermo"

by

E. Bosc after  J. Hittoroff

circa 1860

This item comprises the image, as described above, drawn and lithographed by E.Bosc and depicts the stunning interior of this famous  chapel.This is one of a small number of similar images being offered in this auction. They have been in storage for the last thirty years and so are fresh to the market.  In first class condition and has been professionally mounted ready for framing.

Format

Overall Size:- 10" x 13" approx

Image Size:- 6" x 9 1/2" approx

About the subject....

Located within the Palazzo dei Normanni (Palace of the Normans), the Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel) is the finest example of Arab-Norman art in Palermo.

Built by Roger II from 1130 to 1140, the chapel is adorned with extraordinary Byzantine mosaics.

Together the Norman palace and its chapel are the greatest attractions of Palermo.
The palace was originally built for the Arab emirs and their harems in the 9th century, on a site formerly occupied by a Roman and Punic fortress. Eventually abandoned by the Arabs, the palace was restored by the conquering Normans into a sumptuous residence. In 1140, the splendid Palatine Chapel was completed by the Norman king Roger II.

By the mid-16th century the palace was in serious decay again, until it was discovered anew by Spanish viceroys, who in 1555 began its rescue and once again turned it into a royal residence.

The interior is covered with glittering mosaics and capped by a splendid 10th-century Arab honeycomb stalactite wooden ceiling. Biblical stories blend happily with scenes of Arab life and Norman court pageantry.The chapel is comprised of a nave and two aisles divided by oval arches. The central area is surmounted by a dome set on corner niches over a mosaic floor with walls of marble wainscoting.

At the entrance to the nave is a mammoth royal throne encrusted in mosaics and a 12th-century towering Paschal candelabrum carved with figures, wild animals, and acanthus leaves. Covering the central nave is a honeycomb stalactite wooden muqarnas ceiling, a masterpiece creation of Arab artisans brought from North Africa. The mosaics depict a variety of saints and biblical scenes. Adam and Eve are shown with the "forbidden fruit" in their mouths and greedily reaching for a second luscious piece. Christ Pantocrator, surrounded by angels, looks down from the cupola.

The colours of the mosaics are vivid, the style realistic, the effect is achieved by gold-backed tesserae and silver mosaic tiles, enhanced by inlaid marble.

SOME IMPORTANT NOTICES....

 1.      Overseas postage rates are available on request.

 2.      Postage Discount is available on multiple purchases, so why not….

 3.      CLICK ON  - “View seller’s other items” in the “Meet the seller” box, at the top right hand side of this page, to find other portraits and images of historic importance. If you still cannot find what you are looking for…..
 
4.      CLICK ON  - “Email the seller” in the “Ask the seller a question” box, at the top right hand side of this page. I have many other historic portraits scheduled for ebay listing and may have exactly what you are looking for and can schedule it for you on a “Buy It Now” basis.

Thank you for your interest