Christ, Constantine IX, and Zoë

This mosaic panel is located on the east wall of the south balcony in the Hagia Sophia, in the section known as the "Royal Box," reserved for members of the imperial family.

At the center, Jesus, dressed in blue, is seated on a throne, holding a codex of the Bible in one hand while raising the other in a gesture of blessing. To His right (our left) stands Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos (r. 1042–1055), and to His left, stands Empress Zoë (r. 1042–1050), who was Constantine’s third wife—and he was her third spouse! Interestingly, Constantine had both his and Zoë's faces added to the mosaic, replacing the original figures.

The mosaic, dating to the 11th century, commemorates the generous donations made by the Emperor and Empress to the Hagia Sophia. He holds a bag of money, while Zoë presents a document specifying how the funds were to be used.

Note: Constantine IX Monomachos also sponsored the reconstruction of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem after its destruction by Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah (known as "Hakim the Crazy") in 1009.