The mosaic was made with thousands of little colored pieces of glass and put together. God the Father ought not be depicted, for He was not incarnate. After the Byzantine reconquest and consecration to the orthodox faith (mid-6th century), the Basilica was dedicated to St. Martin, bishop of Tours. This in part explains the special luminosity of our mosaic. 2023 Orthodox Arts Journal | All Rights Reserved | Facebook|Twitter|D&DbyRolla Creative, LLC. The immediate meaning of these words is understood by most commentators to refer to Christs coming Transfiguration. figures that are seated around a table that are This hymn was composed perhaps as early as the fifth century, and certainly no later than the seventh, so it may well have been known by the person who designed the mosaic and therefore support this interpretation of the bees on Apollinares chasuble. On the arch above the apse: Twelve lambs (apostles) converging toward central medallion with Christ. You can still see disembodied hands on some columns. How to use 'Greek cross' in a sentence? The mosaics in the apse have been replaced, but the ones along the walls are still intact and beautifully maintained. So what our mosaic concentrates on is not so much Christs transfiguration but ours. And Bishop Apollinare was not present in the Transfiguration, so why does he figure so large in the depiction? When one sees it in the flesh it seems both vast and verdant. This suggests, as with Melchezidek, a union of priestly and royal ministries. 6th century. But when God made the starry lights for the night He varied their size, spacing and colour, and this soothes the soul. This emphasizes the priestly significance of his offering. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendour, talking with Jesus. the capital city had been moved to Ravenna, bearded man with gold halo, cross [symbol of martyrdom], book; striped tunic [dalmatica] worn by deacons and bishops, mantle [pallium] conferred on bishop by Pope; cupboard with gospel books; metal grille w/fire, because Lawrence was grilled alive, Christ is a beardless youth, long hair, halo; holding cross in one hand, feeding lamb; in gold and purple as an imperial figure; pose reflects both Christian and classical (Orpheus) imagery, style of mosaics (Mausoleum of Galla Placidia), Late Antique Roman; impressionistic, illusionistic; floor, space, depth, perspective, small; dark blue background; 567 8-pointed stars in concentric circles; gold cross, arms pointing eastward, seven stars (of the Apocalypse or planets), four symbols of the Evangelists, shaped like a pinecone, sign of immortality. The ultimate purpose of Christs incarnation was our own deification, our union with Him. The tympanum faade, made of brick, is framed by two pilasters and a mullioned window, surmounted by two small windows. The three bands of mosaics correspond to those on the left wall . As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, Master, it is good for us to be here. Our mosaic seems to be saying that the Transfiguration transports us humans back to paradise, our original home where we were intended to meet and commune with God. The Basilica of SantApollinare Nuovo was also erected by Theuderic. thousands of people each month in their As with the eighth day Resurrection, the childs eighth day circumcision is the first day of his everlasting membership of Gods community. first built by Theodoric to be his palace chapel, There, according to the Genesis account, God placed us humans and give us the task to cultivate it. Or to use another analogy, as spiritual gardeners we are to cultivate the wild and wonderful world into a garden. Is this precise number significant? How do we know that this mosaic depicts the Transfiguration? Through us the cosmos can become garment and adornment for the Body of Christ. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Sightseeing and enjoying these beauties is a privilege. This mosaic suggests not just a park, but a royal park. Also depicted in the mosaic at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is a set of three sheep on each side of Christ, with him touching one on the nose. the scene for a moment. It is in fact a depiction of the Transfiguration of Christ, as described in the Gospel accounts of Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8 and, most fully, in Luke 9:28-36. But bees also represent communal transformative labour, since the work of the hive changes nectar into honey. We have already discussed how the cross represents Christs Second Coming, of which His transfiguration is a foretaste. Perhaps this is the meaning of the ciborium held by the emperors attendant. St Irenaeus reminds us that though Adam and Eve were sinless before the fall they were not yet perfect. In the Gospel of Matthew Christ tells us that at His coming again there will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven (Matthew 24:30). It is clear from their branch collars that the larger trees in the mosaic have been pruned. art history and theory. As we have discussed, our mosaic concentrates on the purpose of events in Christs life, and not just the events themselves. On the left side are the secular authorities: the emperor and his brothers Heraclius and Tiberius, with a fourth figure holding a ciborium. The wise artist or craftsperson uses their power over the medium with love and discernment, to raise the raw material into something even more beautiful. But they are surely there also, along with the birds, to remind us that all creatures are created by God and are thus part of His kingdom. the other side female, replaced the mosaics created Whom do you seek? Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.. They represent Peter, James and John whom Christ took onto mount Tabor to witness His transformation. Lukes mention of eight days is a further affirmation of this interpretation. There is some iconography that can only be described as miraculous. - [Steven] Well, this is a thousand years earlier than Leonardo. an evening sacrifice of praise, The union that this mosaic affirms is not just between God and man and matter, but also between the all faithful throughout time. The purpose of His incarnation was to gather all creation into Himself, and in particular to unite our human nature with His own divine nature. The secret to this mosaic lies in the fact that it depicts not merely the past, but also the present and the future. They represent Peter, James and John whom Christ took onto mount Tabor to witness His transformation. Although its immediate purpose is to act as a sort of witness to a legal contract, reminding future emperors of the Ravenna bishops rights, it also fits very well into our priestly king theme. The way that the holy bishop and martyr is set within the scene suggests that he has a broader significance. 6th century (Original mosaics ca. In fact it replaces the mountain with a garden, a paradise. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, Master, it is good for us to be here. (D) destroyed. On the north wall of the apse, opposite the Melchezidek work, is a depiction of the Eastern Roman emperor Constantine IV (668-685) granting certain privileges - probably tax concessions - to Ravennas archbishops. Picture 1 of 5. . Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, 6th century. The way that the holy bishop and martyr is set within the scene suggests that he has a broader significance. A conversation with Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris. Abel, Melchezidek, Abraham and Isaac, 7th century. These female saints on the north wall of the church stand opposite opposite a mosaic of male martyr- saints on the south wall whose clothing reveals different gammadia. Eight is thus a symbol of the created world assumed into the divine life, in a union without confusion. Six sheep come out of each gate towards Christ who is depicted in the centre. Palms traditionally represent paradise and a fruit bearing life. Stylistically, these mosaics. Melchizedeks garment is identical to those worn by high priests Aaron in the third century fresco at Dura-Europos and Caiaphas in the sixth century mosaic in nearby SantApollinare Nuovo. Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo: Incredible mosaics and columns of which you should not miss detail - See 2,083 traveler reviews, 2,347 candid photos, and great deals for Ravenna, Italy, at Tripadvisor. How does one overcome this obstacle and encourage the commissioners of these works to open their minds a bit? We think of Mount Sinai in particular, where Moses met the Lord. The some who stand here are Peter, James and John. This suggests, as with Melchezidek, a union of priestly and royal ministries. I thank the Opera Religion of the Diocese of Ravenna for its hospitality and availability. But we shall come to these later. It is as though Christ were stepping back a little in order to bring our transfigured state to the fore. After he had communed with God and received the tablets of the law on Sinai, Moses had to leave the summit and descend back down to the encamped Israelites. So the cross in our mosaic is the sign of the Son of Man that will appear in the heavens in the last days, a sign of His Second Coming. This collection _______ the best short stories I have ever read. The Lords command to Adam and Eve to fill the earth and subdue it (Genesis 1:28) needs to be understood in just this transformative sense. - See 2,083 traveler reviews, 2,347 candid photos, and great deals for Ravenna, Italy, at Tripadvisor. Is this precise number significant? In this context it is worthwhile tracing the development of the word paradise, since its many associations accrued over time are present in our mosaic. They went up onto a mountain to pray. Mountains are where people meet God. Our mosaic reflects all these associations. Yellow or deeper green tesserae surround each created thing. But before we get to that, let's talk about the church for a second. Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy Sant'Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna (Italy) San Vitale and the Justinian Mosaic Empress Theodora, rhetoric, and Byzantine primary sources Art and architecture of Saint Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai Woman with Scroll Byzantine Mosaic of a Personification, Ktisis Ivory Panel with Archangel - A large park. It was not in fact not surprising that Christ shone with light, for He is the glory of the Father, light from light, true God from true God. I so enjoyed reading this article and found it not only educational but spiritually moving. Early Christian, 493-504; established by Theodoric when he was king of Italy; palace church; relics of St. Apollinarus brought here in 9th cent. These delighted my senses, but at the same time inflamed my curiosity to find their source and enter this garden. It is set in divine time, in kairos, where past, present and future exist together in Christ. The mosaic is a profound theological discourse. If you are doing the mosaics in Ravenna, don't forget to visit the church of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo which is also dazzling. The Church can prophetically oppose a secular power that acts contrary to Gods commandments, but it can also accept material assistance from it if this genuinely aids the Churchs spiritual work and benefits peoples lives. The mosaic gives us adumbrations of this cosmic transfiguration. It was originally an Arian cathedral but became a Catholic church in 570. We were made in the image of God, but had the task to grow in His likeness through love for and obedience to Him. Mosaics, Sant'Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna, 6th century. To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser. Please check your email for further instructions. But I would suggest that Saint Apollinare, as well as being an individual person, a bishop and a saint, also represents the whole Church in her Eucharistic fullness, giving thanks for and offering all creation. And above the cross is the Greek word for fish, , the famous acrostic formed by the initials of five Greek words meaning Jesus Christ, Son of God, the Saviour.. But when God made the starry lights for the night He varied their size, spacing and colour, and this soothes the soul. He is accompanied by another bishop (perhaps his predecessor Maurus (642-671), plus a priest in a yellow chasuble and two deacons. And instead of the mountain of Tabor we have a garden. Shop our jewelry in italy selection from top sellers and makers around the world. - [Steven] In fact, this is one of only two churches in the world that retain its nave wall decorations. I am a mosaicist myself, and have noticed that these smalti glass tesserae, especially the green ones, are somewhat more translucent than modern smalti. We see on the table, two large fish, loaves of bread, and the during the time of Theodoric. Why the stars, and why are the clouds coloured? For the sake of completeness we can mention the date palms that stand either side of the apse. There's tremendous detail in They delight the beholder immediately but at the same time possess layer upon layer of meaning, which reveal themselves only to the patient. It is at once historical, liturgical and eschatological (a fancy word which means the theology of the end times). What change was introduced in the mosaics of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo? One reason is suggested by an Orthodox liturgical text: He wanted not only to display His divinity, but also to show us what it is to be fully human: I am he who is, was transfigured today upon Mount Tabor before the disciples; and in His own person He showed them the nature of man, arrayed in the original beauty of the Image. As we shall see, the mosaic unveils for us the cosmic significance of the Liturgy for which it is a setting. - [Beth] The church began B A voice came from the cloud, saying, This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. It embraces you. These figures hold books and scrolls. This Arian church was originally dedicated in 504 AD to 'Christ the Redeemer'. It is as much an icon of the Parousia and the Liturgy as it is of the Transfiguration. A paradise is a secure enclosure, with the suggestion therefore of permanence; it is a domain, a kingdom; it is a large garden or park; it includes animals; it is a royal park, where the king and queen enjoy the company of their family and friends; and it is a place where God has placed us and given us a task. - [Steven] The goths were Arian and the emperor in At its heart is a medallion bearing an image of Christ. Their authority therefore exists not to subjugate and oppress their medium, but to raise it up and make it even more articulate. Abraham is also priestly, ready even to offer his own son on the altar. But, as we shall see, these themes are nevertheless theologically implicit in the mosaics explicit linking of the Transfiguration with the Holy Liturgy and the Lords Second Coming. - Animals. Apse 6th century, triumphal arch 7th -12th century. The upper tier. It was erected by the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great as his palace chapel during the first quarter of the 6th century (as attested to in the Liber Pontificalis ). A divine hand reaches down from the summit of the semi-dome. But here His voice is suggested by the presence of a hand reaching down from the golden heavens (see figure 5). On the south wall of the apse is a depiction of the priest king Melchizedek. It is as much an icon of the Parousia and the Liturgy as it is of the Transfiguration. Identify the following term or individual and explain their significance. The apse is instead devoid of mosaics as it was destroyed by an earthquake and was rebuilt later. So much for the mosaics similarities with the Gospel accounts. My first encounter with this mosaic I can best liken to smelling a host of fragrances that drift over the wall of a concealed garden. Luke tells us that they were speaking about Christs departure about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem. Justin, that the Eastern Orthodox Church could learn a lot from the creative approach of the early Western Church when it comes to expressing timeless theological truths in its church schema. Because this image is so multivalenced, I think the simplest approach is to work verse by verse through Lukes description of the Transfiguration and see how the mosaic interprets his words. Irenaeus reminds us that Man is created in the image of God [i.e. [1] Saint Irenaeus, quoted in Man and the Incarnation: A Study in The Biblical Theology of Irenaeus by Gustaf Wingren. In our mosaic we find coloured clouds both in the apse and also on the uppermost register (executed in the 9th century) atop the triumphal arch. Our mosaic develops this theme of priestly offering still further, but we shall discuss this a bit later. In the upper reaches of the Church of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, just below the painted wood ceiling, appears a striking series of 26 mosaics portraying the life and passion of Jesus. Why, we might ask, is Christ depicted so small, and in the midst of a great cross instead of in His shining garments? Moses and Elijah are depicted plainly either side of the cross. In so doing, Christ raised up the created and fallen human life that He had assumed (the six days of creation), so that it could participate in divine and eternal life (the eighth day). Also, on either side of the great jewelled cross are three sheep. nave, we see fabulous mosaics. - [Steven] On the south wall Some of the Church Fathers say that Adam and Eve were in fact clothed with light before the fall, and only became naked when they turned from Gods way. More specifically, the apse depicts not just the historical event of Christs Transfiguration, but also the present Eucharist and the Kingdom that is to come. The mosaics are quite exceptional, and can be seen along the entire length of both sides of the nave above the arches. Nov 2019. Purple cloth was an imperial monopoly in Byzantium and therefore represents royalty. And instead of the mountain of Tabor we have a garden. Perhaps if we all lived our faith more profoundly the many creative theological visual alternatives wouldnt seem so controversial. 405-431 and builder of Ravennas cathedral and baptistery; and Ursicinus (VRSISINVS), bishop 533 -536, and commissioner of SantApollinare in Classe. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendour, talking with Jesus. Out of each gate towards Christ who is depicted in the Biblical theology of Irenaeus by Gustaf.. Collars that the holy bishop and martyr is set in divine time, a. Theology of the Transfiguration the other side female, replaced the mosaics similarities with the Gospel.! Above the apse the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, Master, it is once. 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