Discuss the trappings of royalty as depicted in these two mosaics. Do Emperor Ju

Question

Discuss the trappings of royalty as depicted in these two mosaics. Do Emperor Justinian and Theodora share equally in the type of luxury depicted? As Emperor, does the mosaic depict elements related to his rule? As Empress, is Theodora depicted has having power and authority?

Image 1: 7.12 Image 2: 7.13 Emperor Justinian and courtiers Empress Theodora and retinue Discuss the trappings of royalty as depicted in these two mosaics. Do Emperor Justinian and Theodora share equally in the type of luxury depicted? As Emperor, does the mosaie depict elements related to his rule? As Empress, is Theodora depicted has having power and authority?

Explanation / Answer

Image 1: 7.12

This image depicts the mosaic on the north wall of the apse, Church of San Vitale. This mosaic depicts the authority and position of Emperor Justin. He is adorned with purple robe and halo, and is holding a paten that has Eucharist bread. All these depiction for Emperor Justin shows his authority as he is outlined as the God's representative on earth. The other prominent figure in this mosaic is Bishop Maximianus, the artist has created a subtle reference to his authority over the empire and the Emperor by outlining the position of feet of Bishop slightly in front of the Emperor, while placing his body a little behind the Emperor. This illustrates the balance of authority between the emperor and the bishop. The other figure of this mosaic are the soldiers or the imperial guards, the clergymen, and the ecclesiastes.

Image 1: 7.13

This mosaic of Empress Theodara and attendants is in the south wall of the apse, Church of San Vitale. She is depicted of her authority by the same halo and robe, and is holding the cup of wine for Eucharist. This shows her power and position in the empire. But she doesn't share the equal power as the Emperor Justin,as the outlining of an attendant who holds back the curtain to guide Theodara into the church proper shows her inferior power to Justin. This feature of the mosaic depicts that Theodara requires a permission from the Emperor to enter into the Church and this makes her authority subjected under the authority of the Emperor.

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