Justinian and Theodora

The most important church of the era of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora was San Vitale. Two mosaics of Justinian and Theodora were placed in the church. The central mosaic between Justinian and Theodora's mosaics is the apse of San Vitale.

In Emperor Justinian's mosaic, he is in the central part of the portrait. This shows dominance. Justinian is also the same height as his court in the portrait. He is also wearing a purple and gold robe just as Christ did in the apse. This portrait also has a religious feel to it. Justinian is surrounded by his court as Jesus was by his disciples. The background is also gold, which perceives spirituality. Justinian's head is also covered with a halo which would signify someone of sacred power and authority. With the halo over his head, it makes him look taller than everyone else. To the left of Justinian is the archbishop Maximian, who is wearing a golden cloak. He is also holding a jeweled cross. Two other members are standing to the left of Maximian. The way the archbishops feet are facing makes it obvious his authority over the two other members. This shows that the archbishop's priestly class holds high authority in the Byzantine empire. To the right of Justinian, is a general who fought and won Justinian victory during wars. This portrait portrays him as Justinian's right hand man. The mosaic gives a visual of Justinian's devotion to Christ. Procopius hated Justinian very much. He perceived him as deceitful and greedy. As you can see in the portrait Justinian doesn't come that way at all. Justinian even has an offering in his hand to Christ. Procopius even thought Justinian had a demonic aura about him In Justinian's portrait religion is the main point of it.

Empress Theodora is also in the center of her portrait. This also signifies authority and dominance. Procopius spoke harshly of her referring to her as scandalous. In this portrait, she is fully clothed. The only skin you see is her neck and her face. She too is the only one wearing a purple robe, which shows her as a match to her husband Justinian. Her head too has a halo which would also signify sacred power. She is also offering a golden cup. Theodora is farther back in the portrait compared to Justinian, so she will be less imposing. The bottom of her robe has a picture of the Three Kings bearing gifts to Christ child. To the left of Theodora are her court ladies. It is obvious that the lady to Theodora's immediate left is the one closest to her since she wearing a partially purple robe too. Procopius said many harsh terms about Theodora being a prostitute. This portrait does not portray her like that at all.