Places in Ravenna: The Gothic Community
(- threads, 4 posts)
The Gothic sector of Ravenna: Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Santo Spirito, the Arian Baptistery, Theodoric's Palace, Theodoric's Mausoleum. ...
 Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
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(MORE TEXT WILL BE ADDED SOON)
Theodoric enlarged an existing palace to create his residence. It comprised the palatine chapel, dedicated to Jesus Christ the Saviour, currently Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. It has a basilical structure, and the round belfry, from a later time, that is characteristic of many churches in Ravenna. The central nave contains mosaics from Theodoric's time in the upper level (Life of Christ), and two rows of virgins and martyrs in pure Byzantine style in the lower level. [pic] The earlier decoration of the lower level, probably dedicated to the Arian cult and to Theodoric, was destroyed. Only the two great panels depicting the harbour of Classe and the city with the "Palatium" [pic] remain, but they were heavily modified when the church was re-consecrated. Probably the likeness of Theodoric himself was subjected to the damnatio memoriae when the spaces between the columns of the Palatium were covered with generic drapery, since it is still possible to see over the columns the hands of cheering courtiers. However the church contains a detached mosaic that looks like an older Justinian wearing the imperial insignia on his shoulder, but is thought to be a portrait of Theodoric adapted to look like Justinian. [pic]
Text: Ælfwine Scylding. Background image: Ælfwine Scylding. Other background images: Mix 'n' Match
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Created by: * Aelfwine Scylding, Sep 4, 2006 - 12:07
