Who commissioned San Vitale?
Bishop Ecclesius
The Basilica of San Vitale is one of the most important monuments of Early Christian art in Italy, especially for the splendour of its mosaics. Founded by Julianus Argentarius and commissioned by Bishop Ecclesius, the octagonal church was consecrated by Archbishop Maximian in 548.
Did Theodora visit Ravenna?
These mosaics are political statements showing the Emperor Justinian I (the Great) and his wife Theodora as rulers of Ravenna. (Justinian never actually visited Ravenna.) Theodora was highly controversial in her time, as she was one of the most powerful women during the whole Roman era.
How is the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna best described?
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.
Why was the church of San Vitale in Ravenna?
The church was begun by Bishop Ecclesius in 526 under the Ostrogothic queen Amalasuntha (died 535) and was consecrated in 547. It was dedicated to the martyr Vitalis, the patron saint of Ravenna. At the time, the city was the capital of the Western Roman Empire.
What were the architectural and artistic features of the Church of San Vitale?
San Vitale was lavishly decorated with marble wall revetment, mosaic and marble pavements, columns and impost capitals, stucco decoration under the arches, painted glass windows, and figural mosaics in the presbytery (bema) and apse.
What does the Justinian mosaic in the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna demonstrate group of answer choices?
What does Justinian’s Mosaic in San Vitale depict? 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. Like the Roman Emperors of the past, Justinian has religious, administrative, and military authority.
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 Church of San Vitale located?
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 of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy.
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)
Who was the emperor of the Basilica of San Vitale?
Of particular note are the mosaics on the presbytery’s ceiling, which depict the Lamb of God amid plants and animals. In addition, the emperor Justinian (reigned 527–565) and his consort, Theodora, are featured in panels near the apse. Justinian I, 6th-century mosaic at the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy.