The building combines Roman elements: the dome, shape of doorways, and stepped towers; with Byzantine elements: polygonal apse, capitals, narrow bricks, and an early example of flying buttresses. Attached at an angle to the west side is an entrance porch or narthex while a small choir and apse extends to the east.Except where indicated otherwise, all content and images © 2005-2020 Sacred Destinations. Perhaps the two most famous mosaics, executed in 547, are those which can be seen at the foot of the side walls of the apse. The architecture of San Vitale, evoking this relation of the death and resurrection of the titular saint to the death and resurrection of Christ, is a significant tribute to the Christ-like dignity of St. In the 6 th century, under the reign of Justinian, Constantinople (modern day Istanbul) became the political and religious center of the Christian Byzantine Empire and its satellite capital in the West was the conquered city of Ravenna in Italy, where Justinian built San Vitale. Ravenna, Italy Part. of extrados of arch. 6th Century. All visitors would marvel at its intricate design and magnificent golden mosaics.
Sacred Destinations is an independent editorial publication. On the right is the mosaic depicting Justinian I, attired in Tyrian purple and shown with a golden halo. It is especially noted for the colourful mosaics of Christian iconography that decorate the interior walls and ceilings. Vitalis." 6th Century. This otherwise unknown figure is thought to have been a private banker of Ravenna or perhaps a royal envoy of Justinian, sent to prepare the way for the Byzantine conquest.San Vitale is a small domed church in the Byzantine architectural style. See Article History 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. The name Argentarius implies this to be the case, as this was the term used in Roman times for a banker who acted as a middleman in fiscal matters. A useful collection of images of Ravenna mosaics can be found at a site entitled Images from World History. San Vitale was to be imitated in the 9th century in a simplified form by Charlemagne at Aachen, Germany. Ravenna, Italy Theophany. We believe that the brilliant histories of art belong to everyone, no matter their background.Smarthistory’s free, award-winning digital content unlocks the expertise of hundreds of leading scholars, making the history of art accessible and engaging to more people, in more places, than any other provider.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. This image is an integral part of a much larger mosaic program in the chancel (the space around the altar).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.Christ, dressed in imperial purple and seated on an orb signifying universal dominion, offers the crown of martyrdom to St. Vitale, but the same gesture can be seen as offering the crown to Justinian in the mosaic below. The mosaic program can also be seen to give visual testament to the two major ambitions of Justinian’s reign: as heir to the tradition of Roman Emperors, Justinian sought to restore the territorial boundaries of the Empire. It was consecrated in 547 and completed soon after. The architecture of the church is thought to echo the design of the Byzantine Imperial Audience Chamber, the Chrysotriklinos, of the Great Palace of Constantinople, of which nothing remains standing today. Ravenna, Italy Accesso al pannello di modificaJustinian Procession. San Vitale Church. San Vitale Church. San Vitale Church. Mosaic. The church is designed as a double octagonal shell with a domed octagonal core and is one of the finest examples of early Christian Byzantine architecture in Western Europe. The Architecture of the Basilica di San Vitale in Ravenna. All rights reserved.Sacred Destinations is an online travel guide to sacred sites, religious travel, pilgrimages, holy places, religious history, sacred places, historical religious sites, archaeological sites, religious festivals, sacred sites, spiritual retreats, and spiritual journeys.Below is a location map and aerial view of San Vitale Basilica.
As the Emperor Justinian and his wife, Theodora, had received considerable criticism for their extravagant building programme, it is not unreasonable to suppose that the mysterious banker was in fact an agent acting on their behalf and through whom the funds were channeled. Around him are the members of the court and of the clergy and by his side Bishop Maximian.
Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. Lunetta of Mosè. 6th Century.