What are the mosaics of San Vitale made of?
The octagonal structure is made of marble and capped by a lofty terra-cotta dome. The celebrated mosaics were strongly influenced by similar work at Constantinople (Istanbul). They depict Old and New Testament figures as well as contemporary Byzantine rulers and Catholic ecclesiastics.
What event is depicted in these apse mosaics at San Vitale?
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).
How many mosaics are in San Vitale?
fifteen mosaic medallions
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.
What is mosaics of San Vitale?
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 of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. A major theme of this mosaic program is the authority of the emperor in the Christian plan of history.
What stories do the mosaics of San Vitale in Ravenna tell?
Who made the mosaics in Ravenna?
Theodoric
Designed and built by Theodoric as his Arian palace chapel as stated in the Liber Pontificalis, the Basilica was reconsecrated as a Catholic church in 561, as part of the suppression of all references to Theodoric’s Arian faith, including the reworking of its mosaics.
When was the mosaic of San Vitale completed?
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. San Vitale, consecrated 547, Ravenna (photo: Steven Zucker, CC: BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Where was the Basilica of San Vitale located?
San Vitale and the Justinian Mosaic. San Vitale, begun c. 526-527, consecrated 547, Ravenna (Italy) San Vitale is one of the most important surviving examples of Byzantine architecture and mosaic work.
When was the San Vitale in Ravenna built?
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.
Where was the mosaic of the emperor Justinian located?
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 of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. This image is an integral part of a much larger mosaic program in the chancel (the space around the altar).