Ravenna, Italy: Basilica of San Vitale: Justinian
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Authors
Sheppard, Beth M.
Issue Date
5/22/2017
Type
Image
Language
Keywords
Italy , Ravenna , Basilica San Vitale , Presbytery , Apses , Byzantine Art , Mosaics , Justinian in Art
Alternative Title
Abstract
Description
Mosaic art on the left side of the Presbytery apse in the Basilica San Vitale (Basilica of St. Vitale; Church of Saint Vitale) in Ravenna, Italy. This art depicts Emperor Justinian (central figure; haloed, crowned, purple robe, holding a golden paten), preceded by Archbishop Maximianus (identified by the inscription above him; holding a large gold and bejeweled cross) and other clergy on his left (a deacon, holding the Gospel and a subdeacon holding the incense). According to smarthistory.org/san-vitale/: "To Justinian�s right appear members of the imperial administration identified by the purple stripe, and at the very far left side of the mosaic appears a group of soldiers. This mosaic thus establishes the central position of the Emperor between the power of the church and the power of the imperial administration and military. Like the Roman Emperors of the past, Justinian has religious, administrative, and military authority." The soldiers are actually the army of Christ, as signified by the Chi-Rho on the shield.
Citation
Publisher
License
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0