M. FORD CREECH ANTIQUES & FINE  ARTS

 

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 ANTICIPATION : THE GIFT

 


 

"mosaic at the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo"

Circa 565 AD

Ravenna, Italy 

 

 

Mosaic at the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy. 

 

 

The "Magi" mosaics, completed in 565 AD, are part of the mosaic panels on the north side of Basilica nave.

They appear as part of a procession of 22 Virgins moving toward the Madonna and Child, attended by angels. 

The three Magi are depicted in Persian ("from the East") clothing, with leopard-print breeches, capes and Phrygian caps,

gazing upward at a star, each bringing gifts to the Christ Child. 

They are named  in the mosaic : "Balthassar", "Melchior" and "Caspar".

 This is thought to be the earliest example of the three names being assigned to the Magi in Christian art.

 

The entire apse and walls of  Sant' Apollinare Nuovo were originally covered in golden illustrative mosaics.

Legend has it that Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) had these mosaics blackened out,

as their radiant glory distracted worshipers from their prayers.

Some mosaics were removed in 16th century renovations - others were damaged by a World War I bomb.

Amazingly many of these almost 1500-year-old mosaics still exist - or have been painstakingly restored. 

 

Each tiny tile is smaller than a fingernail.  Yet they are as bright and colorful originally made.

In 1995, UNESCO placed the Basilica on the World Heritage List, deeming it one of the

"most important buildings from this period of crucial cultural significance in European religious heritage art".

 

For more information and images of the basilica and its historic mosaics, please see the following web sites :

https://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/ravenna-st-apollinare-nuovo

https://www.paradoxplace.com/Perspectives/Venice%20&%20N%20Italy/Ravenna/San%20Apollinare%20Nuovo.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

This mosaic is from a series of three works chosen by us to celebrate this Christmas season :

The 'Annunciation', the 'Nativity' and the 'Journey of the Magi' have inspired

some of the most extraordinary art in the history of mankind.

From the more stoic medieval art to the full blown renaissance, the examples are rich and myriad. 

For other examples please see :

The Annunciation of Cortona, Fra Angelico

Adoration of the Magi, Paolo Veronese

 

Click here to return to Anticipation : The Gift ; M. Ford Creech Antiques

 


 

And the best of Christmas and holiday wishes to you, 

 

Millicent Creech

Caroline Harrison Kelly

Keith Rainer

 


 

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