The artwork, titled “Martyrdom of St. Lawrence (detail),” is attributed to Byzantine artists and dates approximately to the year 425. Executed in the medium of mosaic, this piece belongs to the Byzantine art movement, specifically within the Early Byzantine period spanning from circa 330 to 750. The genre of the artwork is religious painting and it is part of a series located in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, Italy.
This detailed depiction from the larger mosaic focuses on symbolic elements associated with St. Lawrence. The intricate craftsmanship features rich colors and meticulous placement of tesserae, typical of the Byzantine mosaic technique. The composition includes text, which identifies the four Evangelists: “MARCVS” (Mark), “LYCAS” (Luke), “MATTEVS” (Matthew), and “IOANNES” (John). The mosaic employs a palette rich in gold, blue, and earthy tones, characteristic of Byzantine religious iconography. This artistry not only serves a decorative purpose but also conveys profound theological and ecclesiastical narratives central to Early Byzantine Christian art.
