San Vitale
Ravenna, Italy. Early Byzantine Europe. c. 526-547 C.E. Brick, marble, and stone veneer; mosaic
Beautiful images of the interior spaces of San Vitale, these images capture the effect of the interior of the church.
Form:
- Centrally planned basilica
- Octagonal in shape
- Byzantine church
Function:
- Obviously primarily to worship the Christian god (This is a church)
- Glorify the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora
- Serves as a reminder for the power of the Byzantine Emperor
Context:
- Built after the split of the Roman empire
