The mosaic program found in the apse of San Vitale supports the Byzantine theme of the holy ratification of Church and State.The presence of which figures in the mosaic program supports this theme?
A) Christ and Saint Vitalis (San Vitale)
B) Saint Vitalis (San Vitale) and Justinian
C) Bishop Maximianus and Justinian
D) Christ and Justinian

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best choice is D, as the presence of Christ and Justinian in the mosaic program supports the theme of the holy ratification of Church and State. This is because Justinian was the emperor of the Byzantine Empire and by having him depicted alongside Christ, who is seen as the head of the Church, it reinforces the idea of the divine authority of both Church and State. The other choices either do not include both Church and State figures or do not reinforce the theme in as significant a way.

The Mosaic Program Found in the Apse of San Vitale