Abstract: The main subject of this research is the tradition of visual representation of the luminosity of the divine nature in Western European Christian art of the IV–VIII centuries. The objects of study are fragments of monumental temple decorations containing images, both literal and symbolic, of this divine phenomenon, as well as written sources related to the interpretation of these images. The focus of the research is on the Western European artistic tradition of depicting the halo of Christ and its change during the period under review.
The purpose of this work, which is the first part of the study, the chronological framework of which covers the period from the IV to the XIII centuries, was to compile a holistic view of the development of the iconographic tradition of representing the theme "I am the light of the world", the luminosity of the divine nature of Christ in the context of the study of the visual language of Western European medieval religious art of the IV–VIII centuries. The visual sources of this work are Christian churches that have preserved the monumental decoration of the IV–VIII centuries, which are located on the territory of Rome, Ravenna, Milan, Naples and surrounding areas. The methodology on which this research is based is represented by typological, iconographic and formal stylistic methods of analysis.
The novelty of the present study is a detailed analysis and systematization of various visual representations of the luminosity of the divine nature of Christ, first of all, variants of the image of the halo and their transformation over time. Based on the studied sources, the author has compiled a certain classification picture, which allows forming a holistic view of the formation and development of the artistic tradition of representing this topic.

Abstract: Temple programs of the Romance epoch widely represented the Christ in Glory (Majestas Domini) image in portals and apses of temples and little parish churches. That image could be either a part of a more massive iconographic scheme or a concise piece drawn on the portal tympan or apse conch. The subject of the research is the structure and symbolism in the image of Christ in Glory in Western European temple decoration of the XIst - XIIth centuries. The object of the research is the representation of that image in various Western European monuments of that period. The main research method used by the author of the present article is the method of iconographic analysis that implies comparison of the program of monuments themselves and associated texts from the Bible, texts of masses and liturgic manuscripts. The novelty of the research is caused by the fact that the author defines liturgic symbolism of this composition with reference to particular objects and including it into the general interpretational picture for each program. Such approach allows to achieve better understanding of the visual language of the Roman temple decoration in general and each program in particular. As a result of this research, the author concludes that at least starting from the Carolingian epoch the image of the iconographic scheme 'Majestas Domini' in temple programs does not only symbolically depict the beginning of the Eucharistic prayer but also becomes the key to understanding complex iconographic programs directly related to the visual representation of evangelistic themes. 

Abstract: The research subject is the representation of the image of the Lord in the iconographic program of the apse mosaic of the oratory of abbot Theodulf at Germigny-des-Prés. The research object is the iconographic program of the apse of the oratory at Germigny-des-Prés. The author of the program, abbot Theodulf, was the abbot of Fleury-sur-Loire, a poet, a theologian and the closest fellow of Charles the Great. His aniconic ideas played an important role in defining the way of representing the Divine Presence within the space of the church he had built. Based on the method of iconographic analysis, the author analyzes the Old Testament images of Theodulf’s mosaic and compares them with the Holy Writ. The article considers the modern ideas about the disputable iconographic program of the apse mosaic of the oratory and offers another variant of interpreting Theodulf’s program that supplements the existing interpretations. The author shows that the unseen by a human eye Glory of the Lord surrounded by cherubs is the key object of the program and a part of the composition, which symbolically means also the beginning of the Eucharistic canon.

Abstract: The subject of this work is the iconographic program of the mosaic of apse of oratory of the Abbey Theodulf in Germigny-des-Prés. The object of this research is the oratory of the Abbey Fleury and Bishop of Orleans Theodulf in Germigny-des-Prés – a unique heritage of the Carolingien era, which not only allows touching the historical source as a priceless document and witness, but also raises multiple questions. The discussion field consists not only from the aspects of preservation of heritage, state and dating of the fragments of its decoration, but also the program of mosaic which is noted for a unusual iconographic and style of performance. In the presented research based on the iconographic method and interdisciplinary approach, the author analyzes the Old Testament images of Theodulf’s mosaic, comparing them with the texts of the Holy Scripture. The author examines the modern perception on the discussion iconographic program of the mosaic of apse of the oratory in Germigny-des-Prés and suggests its own version of explanation of Theodulf’s iconographic scheme, which complements the already existing interpretational picture. It is demonstrated that the Ark of the Covenant is the main conceptual object of this program, and the invisible Glory of the Lord that is present between the cherubs of the Ark is closely connected to the liturgical symbolic.