Happy Saints

While most of the early mosaics of the church of San Paolo fuori la Mura (St Paul Outside the Walls) were destroyed in a 19th century fire, they were carefully restored. The earliest mosaics date from the early 4th century, donated by the famous Byzantine, Ravennese Princess and Consort Galla Placidia, whose mausoleum is one of the wonders of Ravenna. In this detail, martyrs carry the crowns that mark them as the Elect of Heaven. I like the fellow in the lower row third from the right. He looks like he’s just seen you taking a picture of him and he’s so happy you’re going to post it on your blog.