The semidome of the apse is occupied by the full-length figure if the Virgin Mary as Blachernitissa. In contrapposto, clad in a blue tunic and a purple cloak or 'himation', and her hands lifted in prayer, she has a red medallion on her breast bearing the image of the Christ Child blessing. Set against a dark blue field above and green below, she is flanked by the archangels Michael and Gabriel, bowing and carrying censers.