Miracle Of Gaves And Fishes

Within Sant’Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy on the top register of the nave wall stands the stunning mosaic Miracle of Loaves and Fishes. This piece—created by an unknown artist in 504 CE—depicts a miracle performed during the life of Jesus Christ in which a starving crowd was gifted with an increased supply of bread and fish. Overall, this piece tells the story of just one event in the life of Christ, with other mosaics around this piece telling other narratives from his life. Compositionally, Miracle of Loaves and Fishes appears very flat and simplified with all the figures aligned laterally, minimal overlapping of figures, and few background details. Christ is positioned directly in the center, and only two disciples stand to each of his sides. This simplification of the composition allows for the narrative to be read and understood more clearly. Also, many techniques are employed to make Christ the focal point of the composition. Beyond just being centered within the piece, the disciples bodies, eyes, and feet are pointed towards Christ, causing the viewer’s eye to constantly drift back to him. His purple and gold robe, cross-inscribed nimbus, and cross shaped form furthermore establish him as the focal point of the composition, while also aiding in his identification as Jesus Christ.

For example, the religious subject of the piece reveals the further development and expansion of Christianity during the late antiquity time period, especially since the piece is located within a church building devoted to Christianity. Because Miracle of Loaves and Fishes is located on the top register of the building, the simplification of the composition not only allows for explicit understanding of the narrative, but also easier viewing from below. Importantly, most people could not read during this time, so this mosaic functions as a way for common people to understand key events from the