MOSAIC ARTIST, Byzantine
(active 6th century in Ravenna)

Procession of female martyrs (detail)

6th century
Mosaic
Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna

This detail of the north wall shows part of the procession of virgins. The twenty-two female martyrs are depicted as if walking from Classe, the port city of Ravenna, toward the nave, where the Virgin is enthroned. The three Magi lead this procession of martyrs.

These female martyrs are depicted in sumptuous attire, complete with jewelled necklines and pearl tiaras. Still, they, like the male saints, are essentially undifferentiated.




© Web Gallery of Art, created by Emil Krén and Daniel Marx.