“The Empress Theodora and Retinue”
One of the earliest things that started my love for art was looking through books of ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine art. So, today’s post is an homage to that…
“The Empress Theodora and Retinue” is a mosaic panel that is located in the Basilica di San Vitale on the south wall of the apse, in Ravenna, Italy. This basilica was created between circa 526 and 547 A.D in the Byzantine art and architecture style. The church was consecrated by Bishop Maximianus after its completion in 547 AD.
Inside the Basilica, this mosaic of Theodora, done in the Hellenistic-Roman tradition, is opposite a similar one of Justinian. Theodora’s husband was Emperor Justinian I and was serving as the East Roman or Byzantine Emperor at the time.
Interestingly, neither Justinian nor Theodora had ever visited Ravenna during their lifetime. Regardless, during the period when they were constructing this mosaic portrait, it was a contemporary piece, and she was very much alive.
History honors Theodora almost as much as her husband. Some even recognized her as the reason for his greatness. Justinian’s great victory during the vicious Nika riots in Constantinople almost didn’t happen. Over half the city was burned after a violent week-long riot. As Justinian was preparing to flee, Theodora gave a speech in which she said it was better to die as a ruler than to live as an exile. Justinian stayed, the riot was quelled, and he remained emperor.
Theodora was known for her beauty and prowess, and in this mosaic, she is recognized as a co-regent, as depicted by the halo around her head, the royal purple Damascus robe she is wearing, the Eucharistic vessel in her hand, and the exquisite head piece adorned with jewelry and pearls. She is surrounded by her maid servants as well as other court dignitaries.
Theodora lived in the early sixth century. She moved around and lived in Cyprus, Alexandria, Syria, and Constantinople. Her early life was difficult. She served time in a brothel, as an actress, and as a companion, earning early repute for her portrayal of Leda in Leda and the Swan. Theodora then moved to Constantinople and worked as a wool spinner.
When Justinian met Theodora, he fell deeply in love with her and wanted to marry. However, due to her former life as an actress, the law forbade them to marry. When Justinian became emperor in 527 A.D., he changed the law and married Theodora with whom he remained for the rest of her life.
When Theodora held power, she implemented many reforms and helped strengthen women’s rights. She prohibited forced prostitution, gave women more rights in divorce and property settlements, forbade the killing of a wife who committed adultery, instituted the death penalty for rape, and no longer allowed the exposure of unwanted infants. She died in 548 at 48 years old from what modern doctors believe was cancer.
In 1903, Gustav Klimt visited this mosaic panel, and it greatly inspired him when creating the “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I”.
“The Empress Theodora and Retinue” mosaic can be seen at the Basilica di San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy.
For more Byzantine art, please visit the art movements page here.
You can find more artists to learn about here.
