Motif of single-headed and double-headed eagle in Raška in the XIII century

A study reveals that the motif of single-headed and double-headed eagles, initially adopted under Byzantine influence or Christian tradition, became prominent in Serbian medieval art during the reign of Grand župan Stefan Nemanja and his successors. This motif symbolized royal dignity and was associated with saints and biblical figures like Jesus Christ. The research highlights its extensive use across multiple monasteries, including Studenica, Žiča, Mileševa, and Morača, where it adorned garments, seals, manuscripts, and interior decorations. Notably, the double-headed eagle persisted as a Christian symbol until the end of the 13th century, though it lost its royal significance during the reign of King Uroš I.

Đekić, Đ., & Milić, D. (2022). Motif of single-headed and double-headed eagle in Raška in the XIII century. Bastina, (56), 319–334. https://doi.org/10.5937/bastina32-36210