Original artwork description:

In Theodosius., Nicolas Maureau revisits Byzantine imperial iconography through a contemporary lens. A shirtless adolescent sits on a black metal chair, blessing with one hand in the Greek Pantocrator tradition while holding an upright sword forming a cross — a dual symbol of spiritual and military power. The gold background, worn and scratched on one side, lets in a fragile, diffuse light that contrasts with the radiant glow of ancient mosaics.

The red-and-white checkered shorts and red sneakers evoke both antique mosaics and a pixelated modern aesthetic. Inspired by Theodosius II, crowned emperor at the age of seven, the painting explores the weight of inherited power and its performative nature. A majestic yet vulnerable image — authority worn too young, suspended between ritual and reality.

Materials used:

oil painting

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