Monreale Cathedral, apsidal arch: Etymasia (preparation for the throne) with the instruments of passion, restored in 1979; Byzantine school mosaic with a golden background. The mosaics of the Cathedral were made between the twelfth and mid-thirteenth century by partly local and partly Venetian workers, trained at the Byzantine school.The etymasìa (ἑτοιμασία, in Greek "preparation") is an iconographic theme that is characterised by the representation of an empty throne with the insignia of Christ. The sense of the theme is that Christ will occupy the throne on his return to earth for universal judgment.The etymasia of the Cathedral of Monreale represents a medallion, with the two-armed cross, the spear and the cane, the throne placed in front of the cross on which the blue mantle of Christ is laid (the human garment), on the throne it rests the Holy Spirit (the dove), at the foot of the throne a jar in which the four nails of his Crucifixion are contained.
