E06027: Mosaics from the 5th c. depicting several Apostles, including *Peter (S00036) and *Paul (S00009), and a saintly deacon, either *Vincent (deacon and martyr of Saragossa and Valentia, S00290) or *Laurence (deacon and martyr of Rome, S01229). Mosaics preserved in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, northern Italy.

Mosaics from the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna

This foundation – now known as the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia – is organised in a cruciform shape around a central chamber topped by a dome. The walls of the vault, lunettes and cupola are all covered with mosaics. The central chamber’s upper walls are adorned with four mosaics. Each of these depicts two *Apostles (S00084). The apostles are dressed in white and stand against a blue background. Another four apostles appear in the barrel vaults of the transepts. The apostles are all haloed and none are labelled. The only recognisable apostles are Peter and Paul.

The lunette on the southern wall depicts a haloed figure wearing a deacon's robes (possibly Laurence of Rome or Vincent of Saragossa). This figure stands on the right hand side of the mosaic and and holds an open book and cross. In the centre of the mosaic a fire fiercely burns under a gridiron. On the left of the mosaic, an open cupboard containing gospel books labelled with the names of the evangelists can be seen.

Description: Frances Trzeciak.