Baelena Books (2025)

10/08/2025

Sixth century apse mosaics, Euphrasian Basilica, Poreč, Istria County, Croatia - These fine mosaics depict Mary and her role in bringing Christ to the world.

The Annunciation - The Virgin Mary is shown as a young woman seated with a halo, wearing a transparent veil and spinning purple wool. The Archangel Gabriel is shown wearing a diadem on his forehead and blessing her, as Mary looks back touching her face with a pensive gaze — The Visitation - This is a beautiful depiction of the Virgin Mary pregnant coming to visit the home of her cousin Saint Elizabeth who is also pregnant with Saint John the Baptist. Saint Elizabeth who is dressed in golden clothing is welcoming Mary as her child in the womb leaps at the nearby presence of Christ in the womb of Mary — At the centre of the apse there is an image of a triumphant Mary seated on a throne holding the Christ child and they are flanked by angels and the hand of God is placing a crown above Mary. There is a golden background behind them, representing eternity and clouds above them, representing heaven. Both Mary and Christ are looking directly at the viewer - Mary is presenting Christ who is giving a blessing.

The city was known in Roman times as Parentium and it became part of the Eastern Roman Empire in 538. The present Euphrasian Basilica was built in 553 by Bishop Euphrasius of Parentium on the site of an older basilica. The current basilica was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was decorated with mosaics in the sixth century with the apse and triumphal arch mosaics dating to the sixth century. Unfortunately other portions of the church’s mosaics have been lost in time. In 1277, a ciborium was added and was decorated with mosaics by Venetian mosaicists. Restoration work was done on the mosaics in the nineteenth and twentieth century and some of the original floor mosaics from the fourth and fifth century have survived beneath the basilica. The basilica remains an active cathedral and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

03/08/2025

Sixth century mosaics, Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna - These fine Late Antique mosaics showcase the symbolic use of animals in Christian iconography.

Saint Mark the Evangelist - Saint Mark is depicted with a white beard, white hair and a halo. He is holding his gospel and in front of him is a writing stand with a quill and ink. He is identified by a Latin inscription on his gospel SECVNDVM MARCVM. Standing above him, is a fierce looking male lion that represents the evangelist, the Lion of Saint Mark — Saint Luke the Evangelist - Saint Luke is depicted with a white beard, white hair and a halo. He is giving a blessing with his hands. Next to him there is a container with scrolls and he is holding his gospel, containing a Latin inscription SECVNDVM LVCA. There is a bird fishing in the water below him. A white ox that represents the evangelist is standing above him, the Ox of Saint Luke — Details of decorative mosaics are given, showing two birds seated on a container with ripe fruit. Birds often represent angelic beings and ripe fruit is a symbol of the good fruits and harvest leading to paradise.

The basilica of San Vitale was built from 526-547 in Ravenna, having been commissioned by Saint Ecclesius, Bishop of Ravenna (521-532) and financed by a wealthy patron named Julius Argentarius. The church was built to house the remains of an early Christian martyr, Saint Vitalis of Milan, who was a Roman army officer who was martyred in the second century because of his Christian faith in Ravenna. The basilica was consecrated in 547 by Saint Maximianus, Bishop of Ravenna (546-556). The Late Antique mosaics and structure of the basilica have remained unchanged, however frescoes were added to the dome in the eighteenth century. The mosaics contained in San Vitale are some of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaics to have survived to the present day. This church was given the honor of a minor basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1960 and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

27/07/2025

Sixth century images of Christ, Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna - Details of symbolic decorative mosaics that serve as a beautiful backdrop on the mosaic panels.

There are decorative maritime images surrounding the medallion images of Christ and the Apostles. The images include two green sea creatures with interlocking tails. These creatures are thought to depict dolphins and in-between the dolphins is a golden sea shell. The border of the medallion around Christ is in the form of a rainbow. The shell is a funerary symbol of resurrection. The rainbow is a symbol of divine blessing — The peacock, which is shown with its tail feathers open, is a symbol of resurrection. Above the peacock is a pomegranate tree with ripe fruit and below it is an image of two sea creatures bound by their tails — A grape vine is depicted growing from a vase. There are ripe bunches of grapes hanging from the vine and birds are in its branches. The vine represents Christ and his church and the grapes represent the good works of the faithful.

The basilica of San Vitale was built from 526-547 in Ravenna, having been commissioned by Saint Ecclesius, Bishop of Ravenna (521-532) and financed by a wealthy patron named Julius Argentarius. The church was built to house the remains of an early Christian martyr, Saint Vitalis of Milan, who was a Roman army officer who was martyred in the second century because of his Christian faith in Ravenna. The basilica was consecrated in 547 by Saint Maximianus, Bishop of Ravenna (546-556). The Late Antique mosaics and structure of the basilica have remained unchanged, however frescoes were added to the dome in the eighteenth century. The mosaics contained in San Vitale are some of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaics to have survived to the present day. This church was given the honor of a minor basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1960 and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

20/07/2025

Sixth century images of Christ, Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna - This beautiful mosaic panel combines several Old Testament scenes of Divine Revelation.

The Hospitality of Abraham - Abraham is shown with white hair and a long white beard offering his three visitors, who are seated under the Oak of Mamre, bread and a calf. Sarah, his wife, is shown as an older woman with a pensive gaze. The three visitors are depicted as angels with halos and white vestments, seated at a table and giving a blessing with their hands. To the right of this image on the same panel, there is the scene of the Sacrifice of Isaac, where the hand of God above shows Abraham a ram to sacrifice in place of Isaac — Moses is depicted as a young cleanshaven man with a halo and he is looking down at the viewer below. Moses is identified by the Latin inscription - MOSE. He is receiving the Word of God. Mount Sinai is depicted as steps up towards heaven. From heaven, which is depicted as rotating blue and red clouds, the Hand of God appears, giving Moses a scroll, signifying Divine Revelation — The mosaic panel has an image of Prophet Jeremiah, who is shown as an older man with a long white beard and halo holding a scroll. He is identified by a Latin inscription - IEREMIA.

The basilica of San Vitale was built from 526-547 in Ravenna, having been commissioned by Saint Ecclesius, Bishop of Ravenna (521-532) and financed by a wealthy patron named Julius Argentarius. The church was built to house the remains of an early Christian martyr, Saint Vitalis of Milan, who was a Roman army officer who was martyred in the second century because of his Christian faith in Ravenna. The basilica was consecrated in 547 by Saint Maximianus, Bishop of Ravenna (546-556). The Late Antique mosaics and structure of the basilica have remained unchanged, however frescoes were added to the dome in the eighteenth century. The mosaics contained in San Vitale are some of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaics to have survived to the present day. This church was given the honor of a minor basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1960 and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

13/07/2025

Sixth century images of Christ, Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna - These images display three very different ways that Christ is depicted in this basilica.

On the peak of the triumphal arch, Christ is depicted with a cruciform halo, with a long beard and holding a scroll indicating the word of God. This image of Christ is contained within a circular medallion shape in the colour of the rainbow, symbolizing Divine blessing — On the ceiling there is an image of Christ as the lamb of God. In this image, the lamb is shown with a golden halo and on a background with star shapes. The image of the lamb is contained within a wreath symbolizing Christ’s triumph and is being held up by four angels — Christ in the apse mosaic is depicted with a cruciform halo, holding a scroll, indicating the Word of God and giving the crown for triumph and witness to Saint Vitalis. In this image Christ is depicted as beardless, seated on a blue orb with a golden background, indicating he is eternity and that he is Lord of the universe.

The basilica of San Vitale was built from 526-547 in Ravenna, having been commissioned by Saint Ecclesius, Bishop of Ravenna (521-532) and financed by a wealthy patron named Julius Argentarius. The church was built to house the remains of an early Christian martyr, Saint Vitalis of Milan, who was a Roman army officer who was martyred in the second century because of his Christian faith in Ravenna. The basilica was consecrated in 547 by Saint Maximianus, Bishop of Ravenna (546-556). The Late Antique mosaics and structure of the basilica have remained unchanged, however frescoes were added to the dome in the eighteenth century. The mosaics contained in San Vitale are some of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaics to have survived to the present day. This church was given the honor of a minor basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1960 and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

06/07/2025

Sixth century triumphal arch mosaic, Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna - The triumphal arch mosaic contains beautiful medallion portraits of Christ and the Apostles.

The triumphal arch displays thirteen medallion images of Christ and the Apostles. The image of Christ is at the centre of the arch and is distinguished by a rainbow border for the medallion, which is a symbol of Divine blessing — On either side of Christ are twelve apostles. Closest to Christ are Saints Peter and Paul. The next are Saints James and Andrew — The medallion of Saint James, identified by a Latin inscription IACOBVS is shown in detail. James is depicted as a young beardless man with short hair and a golden halo — Decorative images surround the medallions. Details of the decorations are shown, including a cruciform symbol.

The basilica of San Vitale was built from 526-547 in Ravenna, having been commissioned by Saint Ecclesius, Bishop of Ravenna (521-532) and financed by a wealthy patron named Julius Argentarius. The church was built to house the remains of an early Christian martyr, Saint Vitalis of Milan, who was a Roman army officer who was martyred in the second century because of his Christian faith in Ravenna. The basilica was consecrated in 547 by Saint Maximianus, Bishop of Ravenna (546-556). The Late Antique mosaics and structure of the basilica have remained unchanged, however frescoes were added to the dome in the eighteenth century. The mosaics contained in San Vitale are some of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaics to have survived to the present day. This church was given the honor of a minor basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1960 and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

29/06/2025

Sixth century apse mosaic, Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna - This beautiful Late Antique apse mosaic is a window into eternity.

Saint Vitalis receives his crown - Saint Vitalis is depicted wearing clothing like those of an army officer along with an insignia on his shoulder. He is identified by a Latin inscription SCS VITALIS — To his right is an Angel wearing white vestments and depicted with a halo, two wings and wearing a white diadem. The angel is holding a staff similar to a palace guard and is bringing Saint Vitalis by hand towards Christ — Christ is seated on his throne and is handing Saint Vitalis a jeweled crown, that is made of gold and decorated with what appear to be large sapphires, emeralds and pearls. The crown symbolizes the saint's victory over death through his witness in life.

The basilica of San Vitale was built from 526-547 in Ravenna, having been commissioned by Saint Ecclesius, Bishop of Ravenna (521-532) and financed by a wealthy patron named Julius Argentarius. The church was built to house the remains of an early Christian martyr, Saint Vitalis of Milan, who was a Roman army officer who was martyred in the second century because of his Christian faith in Ravenna. The basilica was consecrated in 547 by Saint Maximianus, Bishop of Ravenna (546-556). The Late Antique mosaics and structure of the basilica have remained unchanged, however frescoes were added to the dome in the eighteenth century. The mosaics contained in San Vitale are some of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaics to have survived to the present day. This church was given the honor of a minor basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1960 and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

22/06/2025

Sixth century apse mosaic, Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna - This beautiful mosaic panel of the Empress Theodora and her court is one of the most well known images to have survived from the Byzantine period.

The image is centered on the Empress Theodora who is depicted with a golden halo and is carrying a golden chalice that she is bringing as an offering to Christ. This image shows fine details of the jeweled crown worn by the empress and her embroidered and jewelled clothing, including an image of the three Magi bearing offerings — To the left of the Empress are two court officials, thought to be eunuchs shown next to a doorway and a fountain — To the right of the empress are seven women from her entourage, all of whom are depicted as wearing beautifully embroidered clothing. The two women closest to the Empress both are depicted wearing rings and look confidently at the viewer, indicating that they are women of stature. The five young girls to the right are all depicted without rings and they all look nervously to the side.

The basilica of San Vitale was built from 526-547 in Ravenna, having been commissioned by Saint Ecclesius, Bishop of Ravenna (521-532) and financed by a wealthy patron named Julius Argentarius. The basilica was consecrated in 547 by Saint Maximianus, Bishop of Ravenna (546-556). The construction took place during the reign of Emperor Justinian I (527-565). The Empress Theodora (527-548) died from cancer on June 28 548 in Constantinople, soon after the Basilica was completed. The Late Antique mosaics and structure of the basilica have remained unchanged, however frescoes were added to the dome in the eighteenth century. The mosaics contained in San Vitale are some of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaics to have survived to the present day. This church was given the honor of a minor basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1960 and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

15/06/2025

Sixth century apse mosaic, Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna - This beautiful late antique mosaic panel is one of the best known mosaics ever produced.

The mosaic panel is centered on the Emperor Justinian I, who has a halo and is wearing a crown. The mosaic depicts a liturgical procession led by court officials. Justinian is dressed in a white tunic and a purple chlamys fastened by a large jewelled brooch. Fine details are visible on the gold and jewels that decorate his clothing, crown and shoes. The emperor is holding a large golden paten used in the liturgy, which he is bringing forward as an offering — Bishop Saint Maximinian is unique in that he is the only person identified with a Latin inscription of his name MAXIMIANVS. This bishop, like the Emperor, looks directly at the viewer as he holds a cross in his hand and since he appears to be closer to the viewer is likely leading the procession — It appears that both Junstinian and Maximian are stepping on the feet of the people near them. This is the mosaicist’s way of showing depth and indicating that the bishop and emperor are at the front of the procession. Justinian is flaked by court officials who are thought to be generals with white tunics and embroidered symbols on their shoulders indicating who they were. The priests who follow Maximian carry incense and a jewelled book — At the back of the procession is a crowded group of armed soldiers who are covered by a large decorated shield bearing a jewelled chi-rho Christogram.

The basilica of San Vitale was built from 526-547 in Ravenna, having been commissioned by Saint Ecclesius, Bishop of Ravenna (521-532) and financed by a wealthy patron named Julius Argentarius. The basilica was consecrated in 547 by Saint Maximianus, Bishop of Ravenna (546-556). The construction took place during the reign of Emperor Justinian I (527-565). It is thought that Justinian himself never visited Ravenna, though he did personally intervene in favour of Maximianus as bishop of Ravenna, the capital of the Exarchate of the administrative region in Byzantine Italy. The Late Antique mosaics and structure of the basilica have remained unchanged, however frescoes were added to the dome in the eighteenth century. The mosaics contained in San Vitale are some of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaics to have survived to the present day. This church was given the honor of a minor basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1960 and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

08/06/2025

Sixth century apse mosaic, Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna - These fine Late Antique mosaics offer vivid depictions of Biblical scenes.

Moses is depicted as a young man with a halo ascending Mount Sinai. The flames indicating the burning bush surround Moses, who is taking his sandals off since he is walking on holy ground. He is looking up at the hand of God that is blessing him from above. Moses is identified by the Latin inscription MOSE — The image of Moses is adjacent to an image of the offerings of Abel and Melchisedek to God. In this image, there is an altar with the hand of God descending giving a blessing. Details are shown of Abel holding up the firstborn of his flock. They are identified by the Latin inscriptions ABEL and MELCHISEDEC — Above there is an image of two angels holding a cruciform medallion. To the right, is an image of the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah, who is depicted with a halo and holding a scroll, representing the Book of Isaiah. He is identified by the Latin inscription ISAIAS.

The basilica of San Vitale was built from 526-547 in Ravenna, having been commissioned by Saint Ecclesius, Bishop of Ravenna (521-532) and financed by a wealthy patron named Julius Argentarius. The basilica was consecrated in 547 by Saint Maximianus, Bishop of Ravenna (546-556). The Late Antique mosaics and structure of the basilica have remained unchanged, however frescoes were added to the dome in the eighteenth century. The mosaics contained in San Vitale are some of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaics to have survived to the present day. This church was given the honor of a minor basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1960 and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

01/06/2025

Sixth century apse mosaic, Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna - This beautiful Late Antique apse mosaic is a visual representation of the dedication of the Basilica.

The mosaic is centered on an image of Christ Pantokrator. Christ is depicted as beardless, with a cruciform halo, and is seated on a blue orb, symbolizing that he is ruler of the all. Christ is handing a crown to Saint Vitalis and is holding a scroll, representing the Word of God with his other hand — Christ is flanked by two angels, with each angel bringing to Christ two saints — On the left, there is an image of Saint Vitalis, who is wearing fine clothing, as would be expected of army officer, and is identified by a Latin inscription SCS VITALIS. Saint Vitalis is receiving the crown of his martyrdom — On the right is an image of Saint Ecclesisus Bishop of Ravenna. He is offering Christ the Basilica, which is depicted in his hands. He does not have a halo, indicating that the mosaic was made before he was recognized as a saint and he is identified by a Latin inscription ECLESIVS EPIS.

The basilica of San Vitale was built from 526-547 in Ravenna, having been commissioned by Saint Ecclesius, Bishop of Ravenna (521-532) and financed by a wealthy patron named Julius Argentarius. The church was built to house the remains of an early Christian martyr, Saint Vitalis of Milan, who was a Roman army officer that had been martyred in the second century because of his Christian faith in Ravenna. The basilica was consecrated in 547 by Saint Maximianus, Bishop of Ravenna (546-556). The Late Antique mosaics and structure of the basilica have remained unchanged, however frescoes were added to the dome in the eighteenth century. The mosaics contained in San Vitale are some of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaics to have survived to the present day. This church was given the honor of a minor basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1960 and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

25/05/2025

Sixth century apse mosaic, Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna - This richly symbolic mosaic is a masterpiece of Late Antique art.

The mosaics shown here are located above the apse within the basilica. Two angels are depicted holding a cruciform medallion, in the forms of light rays on a blue background, representing eternity. The medallion contains the Greek letter A, the first letter of the alphabet, symbolising God as the beginning and source of all — In the arch immediately below is another medallion, containing a jewelled Chi-Rho shape, which represent the Greek letters X P, the first two letters in Christ. This medallion has a golden background, symbolizing eternity, and has a colourful border with rotating shades of orange, green and blue, hinting at Christ’s two natures and resembling the rainbow, a symbol of divine blessing — There are fine decorative images on the mosaic, including that of a birds sitting, cruciform symbols, floral and geometric designs.

The basilica of San Vitale was built from 526-547 in Ravenna, having been commissioned by Saint Ecclesius, Bishop of Ravenna (521-532) and financed by a wealthy patron named Julius Argentarius. The church was built to house the remains of an early Christian martyr, Saint Vitalis of Milan, who had been martyred in the second century because of his Christian faith and is the patron saint of Ravenna. The basilica was consecrated in 547 by Saint Maximianus, Bishop of Ravenna (546-556). The Late Antique mosaics and structure of the basilica have remained unchanged, however frescoes were added to the dome in the eighteenth century. The mosaics contained in San Vitale are some of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaics to have survived to the present day. This church was given the honor of a minor basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1960 and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

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