Friday, May 10, 2013

Ravenna: Basilica di San Vitale (2)


The sarcophagus of Isaac the Armenian, who was Exarch of Ravenna 625-643.
This picture shows the front of the sarcophagus:
three wise men are bringing gifts to the Madonna,
who is seated with the child on the left.


The sarcophagus of Isaac the Armenian.
The back of the sarcophagus is decorated with the Christian symbol (Khi-Rho)
flanked by two peacocks (symbols of immortality) and two palm trees.


The dome seen from the inside of the church


The floor of the church is decorated with different mosaics


Detail of a marble mosaic on the floor of the church


Another mosaic on the floor of the church


The capitals of two columns in the church


Each column carries two capitals (the Byzantine style).
The upper capital is decorated with a golden cross flanked by two white horses


The apse of the church is decorated with polychrome mosaics


The triumphal arch and the vault of the apse.


The apse of the church: the redeemer flanked by two angels.
On the far left: Saint Vitalis, to whom the church is decicated.
On the far right: Bishop Ecclesius, who is the founder of the church.


The mosaic on the left side of the apse shows Emperor Justinian and his court


Justinian ruled the Byzantine Empire for more than thirty tears (527-565).


The mosaic on the right side of the apse shows Justinian's wife,
Empress Theodora and her court


Theodora, who was born ca. 500, married Justinian in 525, before he became emperor. 
She was empress of the Byzantine Empire from 527 until her death in 548.

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For more information about Justinian and Theodora please turn to
by James Allan Evans (2011)

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