Final answer:
The 'Justinian and His Attendants' mosaic is isophosalic, without a ground line and lacks realism. It features stylistic abstraction in line with Byzantine art principles, such as the use of gold and sacred imagery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The artwork 'Justinian and His Attendants' from San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, is a prime example of Early Byzantine mosaic art that dates back to around 543 CE. Characteristics of this artwork include the stylistic approach known as isophosalic, where figures are represented with similarly sized heads to imply rank and importance. However, the mosaic lacks a ground line that would provide spatial context and does not aim for a realistic depiction of figures. Instead, the figures are stylized and somewhat abstract, typical of Byzantine mosaics, which emphasized symbolic representation over naturalistic representation. Therefore, the correct characteristic of this mosaic is isophosalic, without a ground line and lack of realism.
Byzantine art characteristically used rich colors and gold, and this mosaic is no exception. Emperor Justinian is depicted in the royal purple, a color reserved for the imperial family, and the mosaic captures the opulence of the Byzantine court. These mosaics demonstrate cross-cultural artistic interaction, as they incorporate luxury goods such as silk from the East.
In summary, 'Justinian and His Attendants' embodies the Byzantine artistic ethos with its iconic use of sacred imagery, vibrant colors, and hierarchical representation within a religious context. The use of icons, the portrayal of holy figures meant for veneration, coupled with architectural innovation, such as domed buildings, allowed Byzantine artists to create a powerful visual language that is deeply intertwined with the spiritual life of the empire.