The early Christian mosaics of Ravenna, among the best preserved pieces of their era, present a tantalising view of the art from the late Roman and Byzantine empires. Ravenna was to surprise an unwary traveller, with a vibrant and exciting contemporary Mosaic’s scene. The Mosaics are on display throughout the city; museums, galleries, as you would expect, but also workshops that are producing grand works, and the display of contemporary work in 6th Century Baptisteries. As the following images contend, it can still lay claim to a vibrant centre of Mosaic Art, one that has survived for over a millennia and still going strong.
From: Mar – Museo D’Arte della Città di RavennaFrom: Mar – Museo D’Arte della Città di RavennaFrom: Mar – Museo D’Arte della Città di Ravenna (iPhone)From: Mar – Museo D’Arte della Città di Ravenna (iPhone)From: Mar – Museo D’Arte della Città di Ravenna (iPhone)From: Mar – Museo D’Arte della Città di RavennaFrom: Mar – Museo D’Arte della Città di RavennaFrom: Mar – Museo D’Arte della Città di RavennaFrom: Mar – Museo D’Arte della Città di RavennaFrom a special exhibition at the National Museum of RavennaContemporary Work on display in the Arian Baptistry of Santa Maria (built in early 6th Century)Contemporary Work on display in the Arian Baptistry of Santa Maria (built in early 6th Century)Displayed at Koko Mosaico, one of several major Mosaic Workshops in RavennaDetail of a work displayed at Koko Mosaico, one of several major Mosaic Workshops in RavennaDisplayed at Koko Mosaico, one of several major Mosaic Workshops in RavennaDetail of a commissioned work at Koko Mosaico.Displayed at Koko Mosaico, one of several major Mosaic Workshops in RavennaThe welcome mat at Koko Mosaico