The Virgin Mary enthroned with the Christ child in her lap and flanked by four angels. She wears a veiled mantle, or maphorion, royal purple in color. A small white cross is woven into her veil.
S. Apollinare Nuovo, #Ravenna, early 6th cent. (partially restored)
Today #amwriting about women and #gender in Venantius Fortunatus. He's pretty conventional, as one would expect, but I'm uncovering some interesting wrinkles.
Concordia, located in the north of Italy, was the birthplace of the early Christian author Rufinus. Among its archaeological remains are a Christian basilica and the “Trychora Martyrum,” a 4th c. martyrs shrine. By the end of the century it was transformed into a small basilica
This is my most viewed image on Fickr. A pov shot looking up towards the dome in the sanctuary of San Vitale in #Ravenna. Gives a good sense of the mosaic program. Over 11K views!