13.1 Late Antique Art in Italy: Rome, Ravenna, and Milan

Late Antique art in Italy showcases the transition from Roman imperial traditions to Christian iconography. Rome, Ravenna, and Milan emerge as key centers, blending classical elements with new religious themes in architecture and mosaics.

These cities exemplify the diverse influences shaping Late Antique art. From Constantine's arch in Rome to Byzantine-style churches in Ravenna and early Christian basilicas in Milan, Italy's artistic landscape reflects the era's cultural shifts.

Imperial Roman Architecture

Monumental Structures Commemorating Victories and Legacies

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  Arch of Constantine, Rome, Italy | Matt Kieffer | Flickr View original

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  Arch of Constantine, Detail of the arch, North side, Rome | Flickr View original

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• Arch of Constantine erected in 315 CE to commemorate Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 CE
• Arch of Constantine incorporates spolia (repurposed building material) from earlier imperial monuments, reflecting the practice of appropriating and recontextualizing elements from the past
• Mausoleum of Santa Costanza, originally built as a mausoleum for Constantine's daughter Constantina, later converted into a church
• Mausoleum of Santa Costanza features a circular design with a central dome, reflecting the influence of Roman imperial mausolea (Pantheon)

Early Christian Basilicas in Rome

• Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the oldest extant churches in Rome, built in the 5th century CE
• Santa Maria Maggiore features a classical basilica layout with a central nave, side aisles, and an apse at the eastern end
• Interior of Santa Maria Maggiore is adorned with elaborate mosaics depicting scenes from the Old Testament and the life of Christ, showcasing the increasing prominence of Christian iconography in Late Antique art

Ravenna: Byzantine and Ostrogothic Influences

Churches and Baptisteries Showcasing Byzantine Mosaics

• Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, built in the early 6th century CE during the reign of Theodoric the Great, king of the Ostrogoths
• Sant'Apollinare Nuovo features stunning mosaics depicting processions of saints and martyrs, as well as scenes from the life of Christ, exemplifying the Byzantine style
• San Vitale, a Byzantine-style church built in the mid-6th century CE, renowned for its intricate mosaics and octagonal design
• Mosaics in San Vitale depict Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, as well as biblical scenes, showcasing the fusion of imperial and religious iconography

Ostrogothic Architecture and Baptisteries

• Theodoric's Palace, the residence of Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great, reflecting the blending of Roman and Gothic architectural elements
• Arian Baptistery, built during Theodoric's reign for the Arian Christian sect, features a central plan with intricate mosaic decorations
• Orthodox Baptistery, also known as the Neonian Baptistery, built in the late 4th or early 5th century CE for the orthodox Christian community in Ravenna
• Both the Arian and Orthodox Baptisteries showcase the importance of baptism in early Christian religious practices and the distinct architectural styles of the Ostrogothic and Byzantine periods

Early Christian Art in Milan

Churches Reflecting the Transition from Late Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages

• Santa Maria Antiqua, a church in Milan dating back to the 5th century CE, built on the site of a former imperial palace
• Santa Maria Antiqua features frescoes and wall paintings that demonstrate the transition from Late Antique to early medieval artistic styles
• Sant'Ambrogio, a basilica dedicated to Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan, originally built in the 4th century CE and rebuilt in the 11th century
• Sant'Ambrogio is an important example of Romanesque architecture in northern Italy, showcasing the evolving architectural styles from Late Antiquity to the medieval period (atrium, westwork, and central plan)