Final answer:
The twelve apostles are commonly depicted in mosaics with spiritual and religious significance, featuring divine light and participation in sacred events. Iconography might vary, from expressions of awe in the Transfiguration to scenes like Communion of the Apostles, often highlighted with white and gilded tesserae for a celestial effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Christian iconography, the twelve apostles are often depicted in a significant and spiritual manner, particularly in mosaics that adorn ancient churches and religious structures. The reference to the apostles being depicted in the Tree of Life mosaic could pertain to various historical artworks. While there is no specific Tree of Life mosaic mentioned in the provided references, mosaics from the period often illustrate the apostles through symbolic representations of divinity and narrative scenes.
For instance, in some mosaics, the apostles can be found displaying expressions of awe or fear, such as in the moment of the Transfiguration, where they bear witness to the divine light emanating from Christ. In other cases, such as the Communion of the Apostles mosaic in St. Sophia, Kiev, the apostles are depicted participating in sacred events of Christian faith. These representations are noteworthy for their use of white tesserae and gilded tesserae that help to evoke an ethereal atmosphere, emphasizing the holy presence and the profound spiritual experiences of the figures depicted.
Overall, mosaics portraying the apostles are imbued with religious significance, often utilizing lustrous materials and intricate designs to communicate theological themes and religious stories to the viewers.