Virgin and Child

The cathedral, which is famous for its mediaeval mosaics, was founded in 639, but was largely rebuilt in 1008. 

The mosaic in the apse dates back to the 11th century and depicts the Veneto-Byzantine figure of the Virgin holding the Christ-child. She stands in a blue robe against an empty expanse of gold. At a lower level are eleven of the apostles and St Paul.

The mosaic  is in the apse of the ancient cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the almost deserted island of Torcello in the Venetian lagoon, dates back to the 11th century