Mosaics in Apse of the Basilica of San Vitale 547

These mosaics, made by Byzantine artists, fill the apse of the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. They show Christ enthroned between Saint Vitalis and Bishop Ecclesius, offering a complex vision of earthly and divine power. The glittering gold tesserae lift the scene out of the everyday, while the hieratic figures demonstrate a clear social hierarchy. Made in the 6th century, this mosaic reflects the political and religious tensions of the time, when the Byzantine Empire sought to solidify its control over Italy. Ravenna, as a former imperial capital, was a key site for asserting Byzantine authority through monumental art and architecture. To fully understand this mosaic, we can consult historical documents, theological treatises, and archaeological reports. These resources reveal the complex interplay of religious belief, imperial ambition, and artistic innovation that shaped this enduring image. The social and institutional contexts provide the key to unlocking its deeper meanings.