Justinian and Theodora in the Mosaics of San Vitale Basilica: Liturgical Sanctity and Political Program

The processions of Justinian and Theodora in the mosaics of San Vitale were traditionally attributed a political-religious propaganda function. Their gifts, the paten with the hosts and the chalice with the wine, and their mutual placement in the sanctuary are, however, two anomalous elements. The two emperors, although at the center of an official court portrait, perform a liturgical gesture. They are offering two objects that should not be in their hands. Their presence in the sanctuary, exclusively reserved for clergy, is also unusual. It is therefore clear that the intention was to attribute a theological-liturgical meaning to these mosaics: Justinian and Theodora are projected into a celestial sphere, confirmed by their respective halos. They are not saints, but their images are deified.