Church of San Vitale

Emperor Justinian and his court in the sanctuary of the church of San Vitale is a church in Ravenna, Italy. Construction began in 526 on the site of the martyrdom of St. Vitalis and finished in 548. The small domed church has the Byzantine architectural style. It has an octagonal plan, with a two-story ambulatory enclosing a central space beneath a great cupola. A cupola is a small dome, especially a small dome on a drum on top of a larger dome, or adorning a roof or ceiling. This church is unique because it doesn’t follow the traditional layout plan. It has a focus on the center which makes it a Central plan compared to other churches which has a Basilica plan, which is a long hallway. It is decorated with 18th century murals from top to bottom. It’s west side has an entrance porch or narthex while a small choir and apse extends to the east. Its also made of bricks that were taken from Ancient Roman buildings and reused. The several windows on all sides captured the sunlight bringing attention to the detailed mosaics that covered the interior walls.

Apse of the church of San Vitale

Located inside of the church, the Apse shows placement of the Justinian and Theodora mosaics. Apse are an architectural semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome. With its massive piers to support the building, it has columns that are double stacked. Each apse has three large windows with a large mosaic telling a story. Here in the picture, Christ is in the center royally dressed, sitting on a globe that represented the earth. Below his feet flow the 4 rivers of paradise. In additionally, on both sides of him resides two angles. Christ is holding the book of the apocalypse with the 7 seals visible in his left hand. In his right hand he offers the crown of martyrdom to San Vitales himself who is the primary marter of the city.
Every surface within the Apse is covered with a figure, imagery, or colors of sort.
The only surfaces that are of stone are the marbled grounds, and even it is very decorative with abstract designs.

Christ as Good Shepherd, Mosaic

Also located inside of the church of San Vitale is the Christ as Good Shepherd Mosaic Mausoleum of Galla Placidia dating back to 425-500CE. It is positioned right above the door of the mausoleum so it is seen right before you exit the building.

Christ is depicted as the good shepherd dressed in the wardrobe from ancient Rome with a halo around his head. The halo represents his power and authority as him as being a higher being. His body is turned and positioned in a very naturalistic way. He looks very comfortable with his feet crossed, one hand holding onto his cross, and the other is feeding the sheep.

The entire image is evenly balanced and symmetrical with Christ in the middle and three sheep on both his right side and his left. The overall image has a very decorative quality with gold accents all over the mural. Christ being shown as a shepherd comes directly out of the gospel of John. It is the idea that Christ is leading his flock, also known as followers.
Lastly, here christ is portrayed young and beardless which is different than the other portrayals where he is older with a beard.

Emperor Justinian And His Attendants

Located at the North Sanctuary Wall Of The Church Of San Vitale, the Mosaic is about 8‘ 8″ ✕ 12. Emperor Justinian is traditionally known as Justinian the Great and Saint Justinian the Great in the Orthodox Catholic Church. He was the Byzantine emperor from 527-565. Justinian is in the center wearing the color purple which is associated with the throne.
He is surrounded by individuals from his court as well as religious figures and soldiers.
They represent the three centers of court, the Emperor, the Church, and the Military.
Halo around Justinian’s head is a symbol of authority and divinity. He is holding a bowl which carried bread associated with the eucharist and it is being handed in the way of Christ.
All the figures are frontal and they have no concern for accurate proportion. Next to Justinian is the Bishop Maximilian and clergyman. The Bishop Maximilian holds a jeweled cross and wears the same purple Justinian wears to symbolize power. One of the clergyman holds a jeweled book of the gospel and the other holds an incense burner.

Empress Theodora And Her Attendants

Located at the South Sanctuary Wall Of The Church Of San Vitale, sits the Mosaic of Empress Theodora at 8’ 8″ ✕ 12’ (2.64 ✕ 3.65 M).
She was empress of the Byzantine empire and the wife of Justinian. She was one of the most influential and powerful of the Byzantine Empress.
There is the ideas that she ruled with Justinian as co-equals. Here she stands wearing elaborate clothing and has the headdress with many jewels.
Like the mosaic of Justinian, she has a halo around her head to symbolize the divine origin of her authority.
She is surrounded by attendants which symbolize the imperial court. She is also carrying the chalice for the wine to the eucharist. The curtains are raised as if she is about to take part in the ceremony. The three Maji at the bottom of her robe symbolise the three kings give their gifts to baby jesus.