Where is the mosaic of Theodora located?

Ravenna
The pinnacle of early imperial Byzantine dress is best seen in the mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora at the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy (ca.

What was San Vitale used for?

San Vitale is a centrally planned octagonal house of worship present in Ravenna, Italy and was constructed in the 6th century but was consecrated in 547 (Harris and Zucker).

What is Theodora holding in the mosaic?

One mosaic shows Emperor Justinian carrying a gold paten while the mosaic on the opposite wall of the apse depicts Empress Theodora holding a gold chalice as they prepare to enter the church. The regents are about to participate in the offertory procession during the liturgical celebration.

Who is the artist of Theodora and attendants?

Empress Theodora and Her Attendants. Ca 547 CE. [Mosaic]. San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy….Works Cited.

What era is the court of Empress Theodora?

Theodora, a 6th-century Byzantine empress married to Emperor Justinian I, is remembered for being one of the most powerful women in Byzantine history. She used her power and influence to promote religious and social policies that were important to her. She was one of the first rulers to recognize the rights of women.

Who is in Justinian mosaic?

At the foot of the apse side walls are two famous mosaic panels, completed in 547. On the right is a mosaic depicting the East Roman Emperor Justinian I, clad in Tyrian purple with a golden halo, standing next to court officials, generals Belisarius and Narses, Bishop Maximian, palatinae guards and deacons.

What was Justinian’s nickname?

He is called “Saint Justinian the Emperor” in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Because of his restoration activities, Justinian has sometimes been known as the “Last Roman” in mid-20th century historiography.

Why might the pope name a building a basilica?

The title gives the church certain privileges, principally the right to reserve its high altar for the pope, a cardinal, or a patriarch, and special penitential privileges that remove the basilica from local geographical jurisdiction and give it international status.

Who are the people in Justinian’s mosaic?

Justinian and Theodora panels On the right is a mosaic depicting the East Roman Emperor Justinian I, clad in Tyrian purple with a golden halo, standing next to court officials, generals Belisarius and Narses, Bishop Maximian, palatinae guards and deacons.

Who were Justinian and Theodora?

Justinian and Theodora ruled the Byzantine Empire, the surviving eastern half of the Roman Empire that was based in Constantinople. Together this Byzantine power couple dominated the 6th century, bringing light, wealth, and growth to an era that we tend to mischaracterize as a dark age.

What type of artwork is Theodora and attendants?

One of the most studied mosaics of the Byzantine church of San Vitale in Ravenna , Italy is Empress Theodora and Her Attendants, a companion piece to Emperor Justinian and His Attendants. The mosaics were completed in 547 AD, shortly before the consecration of the church.

What are five of Justinian’s accomplishments?

The long reign of Justinian resulted in attempts to recover lost western provinces from barbarian control, the codification of Roman law, & construction of Hagia Sophia.

• Codification of Roman law.
• Construction of Hagia Sophia.
• Expansion of the Empire and Recovery in the West.
• Justinian’s Legacy.
• Sources:

What was the place setting for Empress Theodora?

Empress Theodora’s place setting uses Byzantine iconography and mosaics to convey her important role in building the Byzantine Empire. The mosaic tile in Empress Theodora’s plate recalls the most well recognized image of Theodora—the mosaic from the apse in the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy.

What did the wings on Theodora’s plate represent?

Theodora’s plate was painted to resemble mosaic tiles. The imagery is a symmetrical abstract butterfly form, each wing stretching to the edge of the plate. The extended wings represent Theodora’s ability to expand her own role in Byzantium and to create freedoms for women during her time.

How old was Theodora when she became a Christian?

In 516, at the age of sixteen, she traveled to Alexandria, Egypt, where she discovered and adopted Monophysitism, the belief that Jesus Christ was wholly divine. Theodora converted, renouncing her former career and lifestyle.

What was the profession of Theodora in the 1920s?

During this time, the profession was considered scandalous—being an actress was synonymous with being a prostitute—but Theodora took every opportunity to move up in a very rigid class system.