16

How large are the mosaics of Justinian and Theodora in the Basilica of San Vitale?

I've looked in plenty of academic papers, and can't seem to find one where their size is quoted - I also do not speak Italian, and a great deal of papers about them are in Italian.

Here's a picture of the two mosaics: 1 mosaic of Justin and Theodora

1
  • 5
    Distance measuring tools embedded into Google Maps show its apse to be about eight meters across; a YouTube video of its interior show each mosaic to be about a quarter of its semi-circumference. Both the above-posted pictures, as well as the afore-linked video, show their aspect ratio to be about two to three; thus, it would appear they are life-sized.
    – Lucian
    Commented Nov 29, 2021 at 11:21

1 Answer 1

28

According to The Met Museum website, the mosaic Emperor Justinian and Members of His Court measures 104 in. by 144 in. or 264.2cm by 365.8cm, which is 8ft 8in by 12ft. The same dimensions are given for the mosaic Empress Theodora and Members of Her Court.

Slightly less precise measurements of 8ft 8in by 12ft, or 2m 64cm by 3m 65cm are given in this source for both mosaics.

A third source, Imperial Gifts, has both mosaics measure slightly smaller at 8ft 6in by 12ft, or 2m 59cm by 3m 65cm.

As can be seen in the image below, the mosaics face each other in the church's apse. They date to approximately 547 AD. More details can be found on The Met's Dress Styles in the Mosaics of San Vitale which also notes that:

In both portraits, the rulers are dressed to identify themselves with the saints and prophets surrounding them in mosaic decoration, and to establish their eternal presence among the divine.

enter image description here

The apse of San Vitale showing the two mosaics on either side of the three windows, with Justinian on the left and Theodora on the right. As suggested by Lucian in a comment above, the people portrayed appear to life-size. Image source: akg images

0

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.