be preserved. The painting is undoubtedly part of the apse
decoration program, but was superimposed on earlier paintings
preserved inside the niche. These earlier murals are the only
remaining church decoration from before the early 11th century.
Preliminary investigations have shown two superimposed layers of
earlier murals in the central niche of the apse. The oldest
composition represents a triumphal cross recalling in form and
detail the crosses from the prayer niches at the hermitages in Kellia.
The later of the two earlier murals depicted a bust of Christ.3
3 Godlewski, PAM VIII, 1997, p. 93, no. 6. This mural was tentatively identified as
Mother of God.
86
decoration program, but was superimposed on earlier paintings
preserved inside the niche. These earlier murals are the only
remaining church decoration from before the early 11th century.
Preliminary investigations have shown two superimposed layers of
earlier murals in the central niche of the apse. The oldest
composition represents a triumphal cross recalling in form and
detail the crosses from the prayer niches at the hermitages in Kellia.
The later of the two earlier murals depicted a bust of Christ.3
3 Godlewski, PAM VIII, 1997, p. 93, no. 6. This mural was tentatively identified as
Mother of God.
86