Ravenna, Italy: St. Apollinare in Classe, Apsidal Conch
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Authors
Issue Date
5/21/17
Type
Image
Language
Keywords
Italy , Ravenna , St. Apollinare in Classe , Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe , Saint Apollinaris in Classe , Basilicas , Apsidal Conches , Crosses , Mosaics , Byzantine Art , Jesus Christ in Art , Greek Influence in Italy , Moses in Art , Elijah in Art , Apostles in Art
Alternative Title
Abstract
Description
The apsidal conch of the Basilica of St. Apollinare in Classe (or Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, or Saint Apollinaris in Classe), which is located in Ravenna, Italy. At the top of the photo, the hand of God is reaching down through clouds to a golden cross, which alludes to the transfiguration of Christ on Mt. Tabor. The cross features gems and gold, with a central medallion of the face of Jesus. The blue sky surrounding the cross has 99 gold and silver stars, which alludes to the parable of the 99 sheep. In the sky off the left arm of the cross is the Greek letter Alpha, and off the right arm is the letter Omega. These allude to Christ: the beginning and the end--the fulfillment of God's work of the salvation of mankind through Jesus Christ. Below the cross are the Latin words "Salus Mundi," which means the Salvation of the World. Above the cross is the Greek word for fish: _____, which is the famous acrostic formed by the initials of five Greek words meaning "Jesus Christ, Son of God, the Saviour." The prophets Moses (on the left) and Elijah (on the right), who witnessed the Transfiguration, are depicted in the clouds above the cross. Below the cross in the meadow are three sheep, which represent the Apostles Peter, James, and John as witnesses of the transfiguration. The upper portion of St. Apollinaris in bishop's robes appears at the central bottom of the photo. A more comprehensive description of the mosaic apse can be found online: "The Mosaic Apse of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna: A Miracle in Design" by Aidan Hart at: https://www.aidanhartmosaics.com/the-mosaic-apse-of-santapollinare-in-classe-ravenna.