The mausoleum is a small cruciform structure with a high centre bay surmounted by a pendentive dome and giving access to four low barrel-vaulted arms all sheathed in figural mosaics. Its plain exterior of blind arcades and pilasters contrasts with the predominant blue, green, and gold interior, which contains one of the best-preserved Early Christian mural mosaics.
In the interior, lunettes of the cross-arms are representations of the Good Shepherd, the Martyrdom of St Lawrence, harts at the fountain of life, and doves drinking from vases. Whereas the first two mosaics are executed in the Hellenistic tradition and have an airy quality, the others and the striking star patterns that decorate the barrel vaults of each arm are two-dimensional in form. Pairs of Apostles stand in the lunettes of the central square, which rises to a star-spangled vault with a cross in the middle, perhaps representing the dome of heaven.
Early Christian Mosaics |
Early Christian Mosaics (all) |
Mosaics in Rome |
Santa Costanza | Santa Pudenziana | Santa Maria Maggiore |
Santi Cosma e Damiano | Other churches |
Mosaics in Ravenna |
Galla Placidia | Orthodox and Arian Baptisteries | San Vitale |
Sant'Apollinare in Classe | Sant'Apollinare Nuovo |
Mosaics in other places |