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Church of San Vitale: Interior, altar in front of the apse and bishop's seat

Date

Circa 1910

Creator

G. Massiot & cie
Part of: Architectural Lantern Slides of Italy
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries

The lower register of the apse is covered with marble and porphyry inlay (opus sectile), engaged pilasters and a circular seating ledge. At the center is a throne or bishop's seat. The altar is carved with lambs facing the Cross.

The church was begun by Bishop Ecclesius (reigned 521-532) and financed by Julianus Argentarius, who spent 26,000 solidi on its construction; work progressed under bishops Ursicinus (reigned 534-536) and Victor (reigned 538-545), and the church was consecrated in 547 by Bishop Maximian. The basic design is Byzantine in conception and comprises a centrally planned octagon with seven arched niches and a square apsed chancel to the east, resting on eight piers, an enveloping ambulatory and gallery, and a narthex set obliquely to the church. The interior is richly decorated in marble and mosaic. It is the only major church from the period of the Emperor Justinian I to survive virtually intact to the present day and is one of eight Ravenna sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Images

This is called Church of San Vitale: Interior, altar in front of the apse and bishop's seat within the category of photographs.Open in external viewer application

Metadata

Creator
G. Massiot & cie
Date
Circa 1910
Publisher
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries
Material Type
photographs
Conditions Governing Access
To view the physical lantern slide, please contact the Architecture Library to arrange an appointment
Related Location
Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Metadata

Campus Location
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries
Link to Finding Aid
https://curate.nd.edu/show/n583xs58k1p
This digital collection may not include all items or all of the information available about the source collection. See the finding aid for more information.

Metadata

Contact Us

Our collection information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. If you have spotted an error, please contact Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries at asklib@nd.edu.


Also from Architectural Lantern Slides of Italy

Chiesa di San Giorgio in Braida: Interior, nave looking towards altar, showing dome

Chiesa di San Giorgio in Braida: Interior, nave looking towards altar, showing dome

Castel Nuovo: Detail of the entry arch of Alfonso I of Aragon

Castel Nuovo: Detail of the entry arch of Alfonso I of Aragon

Doge's Palace: Exterior view of corner, waterside facade

Doge's Palace: Exterior view of corner, waterside facade

Santa Maria del Popolo: Overall exterior view

Santa Maria del Popolo: Overall exterior view

Borghese Gallery: Interior view of a gallery displaying sculpture

Borghese Gallery: Interior view of a gallery displaying sculpture

Teatro di San Carlo: View of facade

Teatro di San Carlo: View of facade

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