SAINTS COSMA AND DAMIANO

The mosaic in the apse dates back to the time of Pope Felix IV (526-530), who here is depicted holding a model of the church; this mosaic is considered the last masterpiece of Roman art before the advent of the Byzantine style.

The scene that stands out against the cobalt blue background, shows the two saints accompanied by St. Paul (left) , and St. Peter go to Christ pointing to the sky.
In the lower section the twelve sheep represent the apostles.

The artist is expressed through the strong chromatic contrasts and the intense characterization of the faces, giving rise to a liveliest and most exciting representation of all Christian mosaic art.

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