Images of the Garden of Eden in the Ornamental Decoration of the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna: On the Question of Influences and Models

A comparative analysis of the ornamental mosaic decoration in Ravenna's Church of San Vitale reveals significant iconographic and stylistic parallels with early Christian monuments from Aquileia and Sicily. These findings challenge existing assumptions about the influences shaping monumental church decorations, suggesting a more complex interplay between regional art centers than previously understood. The study employed detailed visual analysis to identify shared motifs and techniques, particularly focusing on depictions of the Garden of Eden in the presbytery. This approach enriches our understanding of artistic transmission and cultural exchange during this period.

Khripkova, E. A. (2023). IMAGES OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN IN THE ORNAMENTAL DECORATION OF THE CHURCH OF SAN VITALE IN RAVENNA: ON THE QUESTION OF INFLUENCES AND MODELS. Studia Religiosa Rossica: Russian Journal of Religion, (3), 18–37. https://doi.org/10.28995/2658-4158-2023-3-18-37