Deesis

In Byzantine art, and in later Eastern Orthodox iconography generally, the Deësis or Deisis (/deɪˈiːsɪs/, day-EE-siss; Greek: δέησις, "prayer" or "supplication") is a traditional iconic representation of Christ in Majesty or Christ Pantocrator: enthroned, carrying a book, and flanked by the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist, and sometimes other saints and angels.

Mary and John, and any other figures, are shown facing towards Christ with their hands raised in supplication on behalf of humanity.

Early examples often appeared on the templon beam in Orthodox churches or above doors, though icons and devotional ivories also feature the Deesis.

The Deesis composition is also commonly found in the West, especially in those parts of Italy which came under Byzantine influence, but also in the rest of Europe.

The use of the image declined slowly throughout the Middle Ages, and it is never as common as the Western forms of Christ in Majesty.