The plan of S. Vitale in Ravenna

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The Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and art. It was built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, and it is considered to be one of the most important examples of Byzantine art in the world.

The plan of San Vitale is based on the octagonal church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, but it is smaller and more intimate. The interior of the church is richly decorated with mosaics, including two large apse mosaics that depict Justinian and his wife Theodora.

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      The Justinian apse mosaic depicts the emperor standing in a frontal pose, wearing a purple imperial robe and holding a golden orb. He is flanked by members of his court, including bishops and generals. Theodora apse mosaic depicts the empress standing in a similar pose, wearing a purple imperial robe and holding a jeweled crown. She is flanked by two female attendants. Both apse mosaics are highly stylized and symbolic. The figures are depicted in a flat, two-dimensional manner, and they are arranged in a clear and orderly fashion. The mosaics are also rich in color and detail, and they use a variety of symbols to convey the power and authority of the emperor and empress. The Justinian apse mosaic is particularly significant because it is one of the earliest known portraits of a Byzantine emperor. The mosaic depicts Justinian as a strong and powerful ruler, and it reinforces his claim to be the legitimate heir to the Roman Empire. The Theodora apse mosaic is also significant because it depicts the empress as an equal partner to the emperor. This was unusual for the time, as women were typically portrayed as subordinate to men in Byzantine art. However, Theodora was a powerful and influential figure in her own right, and the mosaic reflects her importance to Justinian and the Byzantine Empire. Both apse mosaics reflect the key characteristics of Byzantine art, including:

• Stylization and symbolism: Byzantine art is characterized by its stylized and symbolic depiction of figures. The figures in the San Vitale apse mosaics are depicted in a flat, two-dimensional manner, and they are arranged in a clear and orderly fashion. The mosaics also use a variety of symbols to convey the power and authority of the emperor and empress.
• Richness and color: Byzantine art is also known for its richness and color. The San Vitale apse mosaics are made up of millions of tiny glass tiles, and they create a dazzling display of color and light.
• Imperial patronage: Byzantine art was often commissioned by the emperor and other members of the royal court. The San Vitale apse mosaics were commissioned by Justinian himself, and they reflect his desire to glorify his reign and to reinforce his claim to be the legitimate heir to the Roman Empire.

The San Vitale apse mosaics are stunning examples of Byzantine art, and they provide a valuable glimpse into the world of the Byzantine Empire. The mosaics are also a testament to the power and influence of Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora.