The Battistero Neoniano (Baptistery of Neon) is a late fourth or early fifth century baptistery found in the city of Ravenna. The baptistery, which is octagonal in shape (a purposefully symbolic choice, representing the eighth day, the day of the Resurrection), was originally constructed by Orso Ursus, bishop of Ravenna, before being finally completed by one of his successors, Neon, at the end of the fifth century. It is to Neon that we can attribute the ceiling with its splendid mosaics of Christ and the apostles.
Before we get to these, however, here is a quick overview of the general architecture of the baptistery, which is quite impressive to say the least.
Now before we dive into our main area of focus, the apostolic mosaics, we surely must begin with the central mosaic found on the ceiling, that of St. John the Baptist baptizing Christ in the Jordan.
Here we find the Baptist, shown holding a bejewelled 'ferula', pouring water over the head of Christ while the personification of the Jordan river is shown beside Christ. The symbol of the dove, representing the Holy Spirit, is shown descending upon Christ.
Encircling this are the aforementioned figures of the apostles. They process in two directions, ending with St. Peter and St. Paul who meet in the middle:
The various apostles are shown on a blue background -- typical of the Western Roman iconographic tradition -- wearing the robes that bear the gammadiae that are typical to this period. Each hold in their hands crowns of victory.
The reason, however, that I wish to draw your attention to these mosaics in particular is because of their especially refined, classical quality. These mosaics demonstrate a sophistication that is arguably characteristic of their proximity to the classical era. For this reason, they are worthy of closer study, and in many regards, they present a greater character and substantiality than even later mosaics, certainly those of the later medieval period, but even of those of the contemporary period. In this regard, they are certainly worthy of closer study and appreciation.
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