Basilica Of San Vitale In Ravenna
| Basilica of San Vitale (Ravenna) | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Overview of the building | ||
| Local Name | Basilica di San Vitale | |
| Contact | 44 25 '14 "North 12 11 '46 "East / 44.420556, 12.196111 | |
| Country |  Italy | |
| Region | Emilia-Romagna | |
| City | Ravenna | |
| Worship | Roman Catholic | |
| Type | Basilica | |
| Construction begins | 525 | |
| Work Completed | 548 | |
| Style (s) dominating (s) | Byzantine | |
| Protection | UNESCO World Heritage in 1996 | |
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The Basilica of San Vitale (in Italian is an Italian basilica dating from the sixth century , located in Ravenna , in Emilia-Romagna. This is one of the most representative monuments of architecture and art Byzantine in Western Europe. Known for its entire mosaic of the sixth century, it is listed, along with other monuments in Ravenna , on the World Heritage List of Unesco.
Summary |
History
Legend has it that the basilica was erected on the site of the martyrdom of St. Vital. However, it is uncertain whether St. Vitale in Milan or other St. Vital whose relics were discovered along with those of St. Agricola St. Ambrose in 393 , at Bologna.
Its construction was begun by Bishop Ecclesius in 527 and completed in 548 by the twenty-seventh bishop of Ravenna , Maximian , during the period of the Exarchate. The building combines Roman architectural elements (the dome, the form of gates, towers) with elements of Byzantine (polygonal apse, capitals, construction bricks, etc.).. The church is of major importance because it is the only date from the period of Justinian , and have virtually not been changed until today.
Its construction was funded by a Greek banker, Julian Argentier, which we know very little, except that it also financed the construction of the Basilica of St. Apollinaire in Classe , about the same time. The real benefactor may also have been the Byzantine emperor himself, who considered the foundation of churches as a propaganda tool and as a way to strengthen ties with the territories of some empire.
Description
Map of the building
It is believed that his plan can give an idea of the imperial palace in Constantinople , whose palace there is nothing left. He, at least, inspired one of the Palatine Chapel of Charlemagne at Aix-la-Chapelle , built after his coronation as emperor. It has also inspired much later, Filippo Brunelleschi for the construction of the Baptistery of Florence Cathedral.
Mosaics
The monument is known worldwide and derives most of its reputation, its magnificent mosaics , Byzantine bill, which decorate the chapel apse. Ravenna has indeed all the more impressive mosaic of the entire field Byzantine capital with those of severely affected by the crisis iconoclast: he has earned the city to be listed in UNESCO World Heritage since 1996.
Triumphal Arch
An arch separates the chapel from the central part of the building and is decorated with fifteen medallions depicting the Christ, the twelve apostles, including Paul, and son both of St. Vital, St. Gervais and St. Protais.L triumphal arch marks the Entry into the chapel to see the splendor of mosaics ...
Triumphal arch, chapel
Underside of the arch: medallions with the apostles
Underside of the arch: Paul, the Christ, Peter
Underside of the arch, apostles, St. Protais
Chapel
The iconographic program of the anterior part of the Chapel made a broad appeal to scenes from the Old Testament that refer to the divine sacrifice (the sacrifice of Abel , Abraham, Melchizedek symbolizes the perfect sacrifice, foreshadowing that of Christ represented by Lamb), and the actual presence of God and real (in the burning bush at Mount Sinai or the Three Angels, symbols of Trinidad ).
Vault
The vault of the sanctuary is divided into four areas, separated by large garlands of foliage with fruit, birds, small animals, a peacock at the junction with the pillars. These strings are joined at the central medallion, carried by four angels, where the Mystic Lamb. Each area is covered with a sprinkling of acanthus leaves gilded, their curves enclosing between a world of birds and various animals.
Decor Fruit, birds, plant motifs
Vault: the Mystic Lamb
Vault: the Mystic Lamb
Arcatures
The chapel is separated from the walkway on either side by a triple arch decorated with panels depicting scenes from the Old Testament :
- left, Abraham , receiving the visit of the Three Angels, and the sacrifice he is about to make his son Isaac , above right, Moses on Mount Sinai
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- right, the sacrifices of Abel and Melchizedek , Moses before the Burning Bush, figures of angels, the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah , the four evangelists with their symbols complete the decoration of this part.
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The back of the chapel is dedicated to Christ , who has the first place, before the imperial couple.
Side panels of the apse
Two large side wall panels, arranged face to face, the mosaics are the most famous, probably, of all the Byzantine art.
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- Emperor Justinian in all its pomp offers a paten to the church of St. Vital that just freed from the yoke Arian and is accompanied by Bishop Maximian and religious leaders, civil and military, his approach represents the restoration of communion and the chrism commemorates Constantine
All the mosaics of the apse
The Emperor Justinian
The Emperor Justinian (detail)
Bishop Maximian
- Theodora and her retinue of ladies in waiting and chamberlains offer a chalice to the church released
The Empress Theodora
The Empress Theodora, detail
A court lady
Hand of a court lady
Apse
The cul-de-four of the apse is sitting on the roof of the world, the glorified Christ , beardless, and dressed in purple, surrounded by two angels and St. Vital, which he tends to the crown of martyrdom, and the bishop Ecclsius which donated the model of the basilica. These five characters appear on a background of gold and have their feet a stylish country decor.
Mosaics of the apse
St. Vital, an angel
St. Vital, an angel, Christ, an angel, bishop Ecclsius
An angel, bishop Ecclsius
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Pavement, capitals
The sumptuous decoration of the chapel is complemented by a pavement complex geometric decoration and wall panels in polychrome marble. The columns are topped with capitals carved Byzantine style very characteristic shape is that of an inverted truncated pyramid, with curvilinear edges.
Mosaic floor: duck
Mosaic floor: peacock doing cartwheels
Marquees
Byzantine capital
See also
- Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem)
- Church Saint-Etienne-le-Rond
- Palatine Chapel of Aix-la-Chapelle
- Church of St. Donat (Zadar)
Bibliography
External Links
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44 25'14 "N 12 11'46" E / 44.42056, 12.19611
| Basilica of San Vitale Basilica of Saint-Apollinaire-le-Neuf Basilica of St. Apollinaris in Classe Baptistry Arian Baptistry of the Orthodox Archbishop's Chapel Mausoleum of Galla Placidia Mausoleum of Theodoric |
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