Publication details
Příběhy, které mění svět : Křesťanská iniciace a kostel Sant'Apollinare Nuovo v Ravenně
| Title in English | Stories which change the world : Christian Initiation and the Church of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna |
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| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2018 |
| Type | Popularization text |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | As part of the extensive mosaic decoration of the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, dated back to the 6th century, a cycle of 26 episodes of the Christ's Passion, miracles and parables, has been preserved. The cycle is quite unique in the selection and grouping of the individual scenes and, moreover, it is placed almost at the ceiling of the nave, which makes it almost invisible. In fact, it is possible to observe the cycle only from the side aisles, which has been rather omitted by the previous research. Although the function of the aisles in Late Antique basilicas is not yet fully understood, it seems that the aisles may have been multifunctional spaces used in and outside the liturgy. By studying the patristic exegesis of each depicted episode, the cycle finds a coherent interpretation that links it to the ritual of baptism. Sant´Apollinare Nuovo side aisles thus can become a space for pre-baptismal or post-baptismal education. |