The Byzantine mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora from the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna differ from classical Roman mosaics in that they

A) focus on realism, illustrating the concern of Byzantine art for making religious subject matter more relatable
B) employ diagonal lines and stacked bodies, showing the focus of early Christian art on drama and emotional impact
C) portray secular leaders, demonstrating the preference of Byzantine art for historic over religious subject matter
D) favor stylized figures against a gold-leaf background, reflecting the emphasis of early Christian art on spirituality

Respuesta :

This mosaic thus establishes the central position of the Emperor between the power of the church and the power of the imperial administration and military. Like the Roman Emperors of the past, Justinian has religious, administrative, and military authority.