Table of Contents
Who built the San Vitale?
Bishop Ecclesius
The Basilica of San Vitale is one of the most important monuments of Early Christian art in Italy, especially for the splendour of its mosaics. Founded by Julianus Argentarius and commissioned by Bishop Ecclesius, the octagonal church was consecrated by Archbishop Maximian in 548.
What kind of plan does San Vitale have?
octagonal plan
The church has an octagonal plan. 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.
How is San Vitale different?
San Vitale was designed with doors on all seven walls of the octagon, including two leading to the narthex. The apse has three broad windows at ground level and another three windows above the springing of the apse, while the six walls of the ambulatory and galleries have two or three windows.
What is the purpose of the Justinian mosaic in San Vitale?
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.
How does San Vitale differ from the traditional Western Basilica?
How does the shape of the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna differ from traditional basilica design? It is octagonal. What major religious division is evident in the two baptisteries of Ravenna? From 402 to 476, what city served as the western capital of the Roman Empire?
What is the unifying theme of the San Vitale mosaics?
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. A major theme of this mosaic program is the authority of the emperor in the Christian plan of history.
Where was the Church of San Vitale located?
San Vitale, consecrated 547, Ravenna (photo: Steven Zucker, CC: BY-NC-SA 2.0) 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.
What kind of art is in San Vitale?
The center of the building sits below an immaculate vaulted ceiling covered in art, as well as the apse, such as the mosaic of a robed figure, offering the building to another robed figure.
When was the San Vitale in Ravenna built?
San Vitale is one of the most important surviving examples of Byzantine architecture and mosaic work. It was begun in 526 or 527 under Ostrogothic rule. It was consecrated in 547 and completed soon after.
When was the mosaic of San Vitale completed?
San Vitale is one of the most important surviving examples of Byzantine architecture and mosaic work. It was begun in 526 or 527 under Ostrogothic rule. It was consecrated in 547 and completed soon after. San Vitale, consecrated 547, Ravenna (photo: Steven Zucker, CC: BY-NC-SA 2.0)