Image: Apse Mosaic: Christ the Redeemer with Angels

Detail of San Vitale's apse mosaic, dating from 526-47 AD. It depicts a youthful, clean-shaven Christ the Redeemer sitting on the sphere of the world, flanked by San Vitale (who is receiving a martyr's crown from Christ), two angels, and Bishop Ecclesius, who founded the church. In his other hand, Christ holds a scroll with seven seals, a reference to Revelation. San Vitale Basilica, Ravenna, Italy.