The prior rule of Constantine brought about the constructs of a New Rome and the usage of mosaics as a primary medium for church decoration. As we have seen before, emperors erected statues, monuments and various other symbols of themselves in order to solidify their rule over the people of their empire and prove their divine right to rule. Justinian’s rule started in 527 and this is where you will see him use the mosaics, the new found medium, to draw a connection between himself as emperor and the holiness of the saints the church. The image I want to talk about today is found inside the Church of San Vitale. It was dedicated by Bishop Maximianus in 547 in honor of Saint Vitalis, who was second century martyr. The churches artwork depicts
…show more content…
The image title is called Justinian, Bishop Maximianus, and attendants, mosaic on the north wall of the apse, San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy, ca. 547. What strikes me, as the view, as more important, is not where the image is located but how the image is depicted. I try to image that I am Justinian himself, directing the creation of this piece and what I come to find is something very obvious. It is very obvious to me that Justinian wanted to make sure that anyone looking at that image could tell that he was in fact the main focal point. Although everyone’s heads lay almost at the same height, it is not up that we should look, but rather down. The feet of Justinian are clearly placed both frontal and outward giving his body a forward stance. This can be seen with his shoulders as well, for they are both displayed, one not hidden behind another as is seen in every other character, except for one. That is the image of Maximianus, which is clearly labeled above him. If you simply ignore the fact that both Justinian and Maximianus are dressed elaborately and strip everyone of their clothes, you would still be able to see who is of most importance. Most noticeable, Justinian stands in the center of the mosaic but in a way you can tell that he is sharing his spot light with Maximianus. This portrayal gives the impression that Justinian is
The image title is called Justinian, Bishop Maximianus, and attendants, mosaic on the north wall of the apse, San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy, ca. 547. What strikes me, as the view, as more important, is not where the image is located but how the image is depicted. I try to image that I am Justinian himself, directing the creation of this piece and what I come to find is something very obvious. It is very obvious to me that Justinian wanted to make sure that anyone looking at that image could tell that he was in fact the main focal point. Although everyone’s heads lay almost at the same height, it is not up that we should look, but rather down. The feet of Justinian are clearly placed both frontal and outward giving his body a forward stance. This can be seen with his shoulders as well, for they are both displayed, one not hidden behind another as is seen in every other character, except for one. That is the image of Maximianus, which is clearly labeled above him. If you simply ignore the fact that both Justinian and Maximianus are dressed elaborately and strip everyone of their clothes, you would still be able to see who is of most importance. Most noticeable, Justinian stands in the center of the mosaic but in a way you can tell that he is sharing his spot light with Maximianus. This portrayal gives the impression that Justinian is