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Located in Ravenna, Italy, San Vitale is a Byzantine Church. It began construction in 526 and was completed in 547.
Form
Form
The building is octagonal with a centrally planned basilica and large support columns. It is brick on the outside with marble and stone veneer. The mosaics are made with tesserae.
Function
Function
The church of San Vitale served as a martyrium to St. Vitalis, a Christian martyr of Roman Persecution.
The church and its artworks were also a way to glorify God for worshipers. San Vitale also speaks to the power of the Emperor and the connection of church and state with its large mosaics depicting Emperor Justinian l and his wife Empress Theodora.
Content
Content
San Vitale contains mosaics depicting both Christian and Byzantine figures with vivid color and patterning.
CONText
CONText
At the time of construction the city of Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. The Basilica was built under the rule of Emperor Justinian l.
The Justinian mosaic
The Justinian mosaic
Justinian is the central figure in this mosaic. He is surrounded by his court members, notably Bishop Maximianus whose name is included.
Marble, Smalti (A type of glass)
527-547 BCE
The APSE MOSAIC
The APSE MOSAIC
The center mosaic of the apse depicts a seated Christ.
Marble, Smalti (A type of glass)
527-547 BCE
The Theodora Mosaic
The Theodora Mosaic
This mosaic features Theodora, wife of Justinian, standing surrounded by her court members.
Marble, Smalti (A type of glass)
527-547 BCE
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