Interior of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

dedicated 504 AD

Early Byzantine

The aisles were narrowed and their ceilings were lower. The apse at the end originally had a mosaic which showed a procession. 

Miracle of the loaves and fishes

mosaic

ca. 504 AD

Early Byzantine

Similar in that there is the halo, unbeared Christ, young, royal purple and gold robes. It's new in that there is more of a narrative scene. It's also more abstracted, especially facially. 

Justinian as world conqueror

mid-sixth century

Ivory

Early Byzantine

Had Roman works to look at and copy, but selectively chose not to. Justinian is about the same size as his horse, like with "Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius." Showing he is in line with Roman emperors. The bottom is like the spoils of Jerusalem, putting the spoils on display. It is also similar to the distribution of largess, in that people are ducking to fit in the frame.  Nike is pictured - Greek appropriation. People on bottom represent different cultures (Africa, Asia)? 

Hagia Sophia

ANTHEMIUS OF TRALLES and ISIDORUS OF MILETUS

532–537.

Early Byzantine

Minnerettes were built later. The dome was made using the pantheon concrete method. The bulk of the weight is on the corners.

The Pendentives help the ceiling appear as though it is 'hanging'. The sheer number of windows also helps make the Haga Sophia unlike any other. Marble inlay, like in the Pantheon (ENCRUSTATION). 

Interior of Hagia Sophia

ANTHEMIUS OF TRALLES and ISIDORUS OF MILETUS

532–537.

Early Byzantine

Minnerettes were built later. The dome was made using the pantheon concrete method. The bulk of the weight is on the corners.

The Pendentives help the ceiling appear as though it is 'hanging'. The sheer number of windows also helps make the Haga Sophia unlike any other. Marble inlay, like in the Pantheon (ENCRUSTATION).

Inside Hagia Sophia

Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus

532-537

Early Byzantine

colonnade, arches, gallery, pendentive, portion of dome

Minnerettes were built later. The dome was made using the pantheon concrete method. The bulk of the weight is on the corners.

The Pendentives help the ceiling appear as though it is 'hanging'. The sheer number of windows also helps make the Haga Sophia unlike any other. Marble inlay, like in the Pantheon (ENCRUSTATION). 

San Vitale

Construction begun under Bishop Ecclesius in 526

Dedicated by Bishop Maximianus in 547 526-547

Early Byzantine

Similar to the Santa Costanza. The focus was in the ceter, which is a circle, as opposed to Santa Costanza's cross shape. 

Ambilatory, Apse, etc are similar to other buildings. Marble encrustations  

What's different - curvy bay created. Niches, which also frame the dome. The central space becomes larger.

Plain outside, extremely decorated inside.  

What's different - curvy bay created. Niches, which also frame the dome. The central space becomes larger.

Plain outside, extremely decorated inside.