What is the significance of San Vitale and Justinian?
San Vitale and the Justinian Mosaic. The mosaic program can also be seen to give visual testament to the two major ambitions of Justinian’s reign: as heir to the tradition of Roman Emperors, Justinian sought to restore the territorial boundaries of the Empire. As the Christian Emperor, he saw himself as the defender of the faith.
What do the mosaics in San Vitale mean?
Of special interest are the mosaics of the sanctuary and apse. The mosaics in San Vitale cover the entire sanctuary (Ills. 2,3). In different symbols and images, they all convey one idea: the redemption of mankind by Christ and the sacramental re-enactment of this event in the eucharistic sacrifice.
What is the significance of Justinian’s mosaic?
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.
Who is on the left side of Justinian’s mosaic?
He is flanked by members of the clergy on his left with the most prominent figure the Bishop Maximianus of Ravenna being labelled with an inscription. 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.
What do the mosaics at San Vitale represent?
The most famous mosaics in San Vitale are the pair of mosaics representing the Emperor Justinian and the Empress Theodora. These appear in the apse adjacent to the apse mosaic representing Christ in Majesty.
What is the central theme of the mosaic of Justinian at the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna?
A major theme of this mosaic program is the authority of the emperor in the Christian plan of history.
How is Justinian portrayed in this mosaic?
In the chancel mosaic Justinian is posed frontally in the center. He is haloed and wears a crown and a purple imperial robe. He is flanked by members of the clergy on his left with the most prominent figure the Bishop Maximianus of Ravenna being labelled with an inscription.
What is the central theme of the mosaic of Justinian at the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna quizlet?
The union of political and spiritual authority expressed in these mosaics reflect the divine kingship of Justinian. It shows that the emperor derives his power from the church and the military. Justinian holds bread, which refers to the Eucharist. Justinian is with 12 figures, referring to the 12 apostles.
What do the mosaics in the apse at San Vitale Ravenna depict?
The apse is flanked by two chapels, the prothesis and the diaconicon, typical for Byzantine architecture. Inside, the intrados of the great triumphal arch is decorated with fifteen mosaic medallions, depicting Jesus Christ, the twelve Apostles and Saint Gervasius and Saint Protasius, the sons of Saint Vitale.
Why is the San Vitale important?
Church of San Vitale, also called Basilica of San Vitale, church in Ravenna, Italy, that was built in the 6th century and is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine achitecture. It is especially noted for the colourful mosaics of Christian iconography that decorate the interior walls and ceilings.
What is Justinian holding in the mosaic?
Emperor Justinian is shown dressed in a royal purple chlamys and jeweled stemma. He raises his hands in offering as he holds a gold paten, displaying his patterned tablion, a supplemental textile bearing a repeat pattern and most likely produced on a drawloom.
Who is in the Justinian mosaic?
Sixth century mosaic depicting Emperor Justinian and his entourage, along with St. Maximian, from the Basilica of St. Vitale in Ravenna. The mosaic shows several men in white robes, two men with dark cloaks, and several men in military attire.
What is Byzantine mosaic art?
Byzantine mosaics are mosaics produced from the 4th to 15th centuries in and under the influence of the Byzantine Empire. Mosaics were some of the most popular and historically significant art forms produced in the empire, and they are still studied extensively by art historians.
Who is depicted in the center of this image with the halo?
Depicts Christ in the center in a purple robe and nimbus, a halo with an inscribed jewl-encrusted cross to signify divinity. Young and beardless. Expressionless with arms extended, bread in one hand and fish in the other, directing disciples to distribute food.
Which is least likely to be represented in a Byzantine mosaic?
Which is LEAST likely to be represented in a Byzantine mosaic? a circular barrel-vaulted passage, meaning a place "to walk." the transept.
What gifts are held by Justinian and Theodora at San Vitale?
On both sides of the main apse of the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, the Byzantine imperial court is represented in mosaic. Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora offer a paten and a chalice to the church (Andreescu 708).
What is the major theme of the mosaic program of Emperor Justinian and his attendants?
Secondly, what is the major theme of the mosaic Emperor Justinian and his attendants? A major theme of this mosaic program is the authority of the emperor in the Christian plan of history.
What is the mosaic on the apse?
On the right is a mosaic depicting the East Roman Emperor Justinian I, clad in Tyrian purple with a golden halo, standing next to court officials, Bishop Maximian, palatinae guards and deacons. Click to see full answer.
What is the San Vitale mosaic?
San Vitale and the. Justinian Mosaic. San Vitale is one of the most important surviving examples of Byzantine architecture and mosaic work. It was begun in 526 or 527 under Ostrogothic rule. It was consecrated in 547 and completed soon after. One of the most famous images of political authority from the Middle Ages is the mosaic ...
What is the little entrance in the Byzantine mosaic?
This identifies the mosaic as the so-called Little Entrance which marks the beginning of the Byzantine liturgy of the Eucharist. Justinian’s gesture of carrying the bowl with the bread of the Eucharist can be seen as an act of homage to the True King who appears in the adjacent apse mosaic (image left).
What is the theme of the mosaic program?
A major theme of this mosaic program is the authority of the emperor in the Christian plan of history. The mosaic program can also be seen to give visual testament to the two major ambitions of Justinian’s reign: as heir to the tradition of Roman Emperors, Justinian sought to restore the territorial boundaries of the Empire.
Who is on Justinian's left?
He is flanked by members of the clergy on his left with the most prominent figure the Bishop Maximianus of Ravenna being labelled with an inscription. 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.
When was San Vitale consecrated?
It was begun in 526 or 527 under Ostrogothic rule. It was consecrated in 547 and completed soon after. San Vitale, consecrated 547, Ravenna (photo: Steven Zucker , CC: BY-NC-SA 2.0) One of the most famous images of political authority from the Middle Ages is the mosaic of the Emperor Justinian and his court in the sanctuary of the church ...
