The plan of S. Vitale in Ravenna and the two apse mosaics that depict Justinian

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The Plan of San Vitale in Ravenna

San Vitale is a Byzantine church built in Ravenna, Italy, in the 6th century. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in the world. The church has a central plan, meaning that it is organized around a central dome. The dome is supported by eight columns, which are divided into two groups of four. The groups of four columns are connected by arches, which form an octagon. The octagon is surrounded by an ambulatory, which is a narrow passageway.

Full Answer Section

        The church has two apses, one on the eastern side and one on the western side. The eastern apse is the main apse, and it contains the altar. The western apse is smaller, and it contains a baptismal font. The Apse Mosaics of Justinian and Theodora The two apse mosaics of Justinian and Theodora are some of the most famous mosaics in the world. The mosaic of Justinian shows the emperor standing in a procession, holding a paten in his hands. The mosaic of Theodora shows the empress standing in a procession, holding a chalice in her hands. The mosaics are notable for their realism and their use of color. The figures are depicted in a lifelike manner, and the colors are vibrant and rich. The mosaics are also notable for their symbolism. The paten and chalice that Justinian and Theodora are holding represent the Eucharist, which is the central sacrament of the Christian faith. The mosaics are a reminder of the close relationship between the Byzantine emperor and the church. Characteristics of Byzantine Art Byzantine art is characterized by a number of features, including:

• Mosaics: Mosaics were the most popular form of Byzantine art. They were used to decorate churches, palaces, and other buildings. Byzantine mosaics are known for their realism and their use of color.
• Icons: Icons are religious paintings that depict saints and other holy figures. Byzantine icons are typically painted on wood or canvas. They are characterized by their flatness and their use of gold leaf.
• Frescoes: Frescoes are paintings that are painted on fresh plaster. Byzantine frescoes were often used to decorate churches and other buildings. They are characterized by their large size and their use of color.
• Metalwork: Byzantine metalworkers were skilled in working with gold, silver, and other metals. They produced a variety of objects, including jewelry, religious utensils, and book covers.
• Textiles: Byzantine textile workers were skilled in weaving and embroidery. They produced a variety of textiles, including silk, linen, and wool. Byzantine textiles were often used to decorate churches and other buildings.

Unifying Themes of Islamic Art Islamic art is characterized by a number of unifying themes, including:

• Aniconic: Islamic art is typically aniconic, meaning that it does not depict human figures or animals. This is because Muslims believe that it is forbidden to create images of living things.
• Geometric patterns: Geometric patterns are commonly used in Islamic art. These patterns are often based on Islamic calligraphy, which is the art of writing Arabic script.
• Naturalistic elements: Naturalistic elements, such as plants and flowers, are also commonly used in Islamic art. These elements are often used to create decorative borders and patterns.
• Abstract designs: Abstract designs are also commonly used in Islamic art. These designs are often based on geometric patterns or natural elements.
• Calligraphy: Calligraphy is the art of writing Arabic script. It is one of the most important forms of Islamic art. Calligraphy is used to decorate mosques, other buildings, and objects.

Conclusion The plan of San Vitale in Ravenna and the two apse mosaics of Justinian and Theodora are two of the most famous examples of Byzantine art. The plan of the church is characterized by its central plan and its use of columns and arches. The apse mosaics are characterized by their realism and their use of color. Islamic art is characterized by a number of unifying themes, including its aniconism, its use of geometric patterns and naturalistic elements, and its abstract designs. Calligraphy is also an important part of Islamic art.