Erzbischöfliche Kapelle 425

This mosaic was made in Ravenna, Italy by Byzantine artists, though its exact date is unknown. The Archbishop's Chapel is full of mosaics like this one, with complex theological symbolism. But let's consider what we can learn from this image alone. We see an idealized image of Christ encircled by some of his apostles. The scene is enclosed in geometric patterns in gold, blue, and red, which would have created a mesmerizing effect when lit by candlelight. The starry sky at the bottom reminds us that this scene depicts a divine realm beyond the earthly one. Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century and later became the center of Byzantine power in Italy. Art in Ravenna, like this mosaic, played a crucial role in uniting religious and political authority. Scholars often look at images such as this one in relation to religious doctrine, historical accounts, and the biographies of important historical figures, such as the Archbishop who commissioned this chapel. Considering the social and institutional context of art helps us understand the role that images play in establishing and challenging cultural norms.