The Transfiguration Mosaic at Sant'Apollinare in Classe: Detail, the lintel

6th century
Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna
Lintel above the apse

Flanking the tondo with Christ are the winged creatures of Revelation 4 that are believed to represent the four evangelists: St. John's eagle, St. Matthew's "the third living creature, having the face, as it were, of a man" (4:7), the lion of St. Mark, and the ox of St. Luke.

Each evangelist carries his gospel as an offering. The winged man holds his gift with his hands covered by his sleeves, a detail borrowed from the customs of the Byzantine court.

In the register below, lambs representing the twelve Apostles approach Christ.

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Photographed at the church by Richard Stracke, shared under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license.