Rome, Italy: St. Paul Outside the Walls: Nave Overview 2
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Authors
Sheppard, Beth M.
Issue Date
May 20, 2017
Type
Image
Language
Keywords
Italy , Rome , Piazzale San Paolo , Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls , Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuori le Mura , St. Paul Outside the Walls , Naves , Coffered Ceilings , Triumphal Arches , Mosaics , Byzantine Art , Jesus Christ in Art , Apocalypse of John in Art
Alternative Title
Abstract
Description
The nave of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Rome, Italy). The photograph provides a good overview image of the central nave, four aisles (alleys) on its sides, the mosaic and fresco decorations, and the gilded, coffered ceiling. The nave's architecture and decoration leads the viewer's eye to the triumphal arch with its original 5th century mosaic depiction of Christ. According to the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR) website on the church: "The subject portrays the Apocalypse of John (see Rev 3: 21), with the head of Christ in a circular disc, severe and wielding the staff of authority situated between two angels and the 24 elders of the Apocalypse, with His hand raised in blessing, in the Greek manner. To the right and left are flying symbols of the evangelists. Around the edge is an inscription mentioning the Emperor Theodosius, and then Galla Placidia, the empress who completed the arch, and finally Leo I, under whom, in the middle of the 5th century, a long succession of restorations and improvements were made. The apostles Peter and Paul are shown below, the latter pointing down towards his tomb!" The tomb and the apse of the church are visible beyond the triumphal arch, but other photographs taken by Dr. Sheppard provide more clarity on those areas.
Citation
Publisher
License
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0