2025
The ancient mosaics of Ravenna – The collection of the copies

HEAD OF JUSTINIAN

Foto del mosaico con il viso di Giustiniano.

Although the imperial couple never actually came to Ravenna, they
wanted to manifest themselves to the people to emphasise the close
relationship between Ravenna and Constantinople. Justinian and
Theodora’s faces were realised as portraits, thanks to preparatory
drawings sent throughout empire. Justinian, of whom it is possible to
admire a detail of the face, is the focal point of the representation of
the court and of the major exponents of military and spiritual authority.
He is beardless and has large eyes, staring at a distant point. His head
is encircled by a purple-bordered halo, symbol of the power received
directly by God. The golden crown, adorned with pearls and gems, is
refined with golden pendilia falling behind the ears. A precious fibula
fixes on his right shoulder the purple cloak, enriched with a golden
tablion decorated with little green parrots. The mosaic is realised with
great skill in the rendering of anatomical details, in the precious purple
cloth and embroidery. Astonishing is the richness of the gold tesserae,
giving the image an otherworldly and eternal appearance.

Articoli correlati

Foto del dettaglio del mosaico con la città di Gerusalemme.
Dettaglio del mosaico con l'Imperatrice Teodora e la sua corte.
Foto del dettaglio del mosaico di Cristo Guerriero.
Foto del mosaico dell'airone.
Foto del mosaico con il fagiano.