"These two mosaics, on the left from the Arian Baptistery and on the right, the apse mosaic from San Vitale, are worth comparing theologically. Once we know what to look for, the “visual theology” of both become clear."
Ah, my confusion. The caption text seems to imply that I should be seeing two different baptism scenes, one on the left and the other on the right, but I'm only seeing the same one twice, one on top of the other, one slightly closer in focus than the other. So I thought you'd pasted the same image twice. But I see the "apse mosaic" mentioned in the caption isn't another baptism, but the Christ Enthroned.
Very interesting. When I visited Ravenna there seemed to be something “off” to my raised Catholic eyes in the two Arian sites you referenced and, after going back to my own photos, I can see more still of what you are discussing here. Wonderful essay. Thank you.
I am so glad I took a trip to Ravenna the last time I went to Italy. And I remember the difference between the Arian baptistry and the Catholic monuments very well. Majesty doesn't quite capture what the apse in San Vitale looks like. I think I stared up at it for like two hours, so much that my neck was sore the next day. Thanks for drawing attention to this.
In the section on the Arian vs Catholic images of the Baptism of the Lord, I think you accidentally pasted the same image twice.
no, I just thought a closer look would help
"These two mosaics, on the left from the Arian Baptistery and on the right, the apse mosaic from San Vitale, are worth comparing theologically. Once we know what to look for, the “visual theology” of both become clear."
Ah, my confusion. The caption text seems to imply that I should be seeing two different baptism scenes, one on the left and the other on the right, but I'm only seeing the same one twice, one on top of the other, one slightly closer in focus than the other. So I thought you'd pasted the same image twice. But I see the "apse mosaic" mentioned in the caption isn't another baptism, but the Christ Enthroned.
Shoulda done better punctuation.
Very interesting. When I visited Ravenna there seemed to be something “off” to my raised Catholic eyes in the two Arian sites you referenced and, after going back to my own photos, I can see more still of what you are discussing here. Wonderful essay. Thank you.
I am so glad I took a trip to Ravenna the last time I went to Italy. And I remember the difference between the Arian baptistry and the Catholic monuments very well. Majesty doesn't quite capture what the apse in San Vitale looks like. I think I stared up at it for like two hours, so much that my neck was sore the next day. Thanks for drawing attention to this.
Fascinating and enlightening.