deesis

[ dee-ee-sis ]

noun

, plural de·e·ses [dee-, ee, -seez].

1. a representation in Byzantine art of Christ enthroned and flanked by the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist, often found on an iconostasis.

Word History and Origins

Origin of deesis¹

< Greek déēsis entreaty, equivalent to deē-, variant stem of déesthai to beg + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

On the eastern wall below the dome, colossal figures of Mary and Christ, technically named the Deësis.

From Project Gutenberg

One of them at least, the Deësis, has survived; and there may be others of that period, for, as that mosaic proves, the narthex of the church was decorated when 327the church was restored by that benefactress of the Chora.

From Project Gutenberg

This was related to Father Albuquerque,8 who after a fervent deesis entreating compassion on the natives, went to the island, exorcised the evil spirits there and blessed the land.

From Project Gutenberg