Empress Theodora and Retinue, mosaic from South wall of the Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, c. CE 547
Empress Theodora and Retinue, close-up on Empress Theodora
Religion:
Empress Theodora holds a chalice- could represent part of Christina liturgy: bringing eucharistic gifts to a celebration of the Eastern Orthodox liturgy
Procession of Three Magi bringing gifts to Christ at the bottom of Theodora's dress: shows Biblical story and Eastern Orthodox liturgy
Achievements:
Two detailed, individualized figures standing next to Theodora suggest portraiture of two of Theodora's friends
Politics:
Depicts Theodora as a leader of the Byzantine Empire
Illustration of women around Theodora suggests possible ladies-in-waiting- disclosing a possible hierarchy/organization of Byzantine government
Economics:
Wealth of upper class- emperor and empress shown through richly adorned clothing , palace walls, and chalice
Social
Social status of Theodora- empress- illustrated through riches and number of attendants
Wealth and high-style living of upper class portrayed through riches on clothing and in the palace
Divinity/holiness/high status portrayed through the halo depicted around her head