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.