Image Details

Erich Lessing

A panel labeled “PALATIUM” depicts Theoderic’s palace with a cityscape of Ravenna in the background. Originally, human figures—presumably the king and members of his court—were depicted standing in the arched niches. After Theoderic’s death, however, these figures were replaced by curtains, in order to wipe out the memory of the Arian Gothic king. Several of the columns still show traces of the original human figures, now appearing only as disembodied hands.