Reproductie van een verluchte pagina met Anicia Juliana door Pralon naar J. Schönbrunner before 1864

This is Pralon’s reproduction after J. Schönbrunner of an illuminated page portraying Anicia Juliana. These reproductions reflect a historical fascination with the Byzantine era, a period rife with complex social hierarchies and cultural exchanges. Anicia Juliana, who lived during the 5th and 6th centuries, was a member of the Anicii, one of the most illustrious families in the late Roman Empire. Here, she is depicted as a patron of the arts and architecture, significantly impacting the cultural landscape of Constantinople. Consider the implications of representing a powerful woman in a society deeply stratified by gender and class. Anicia's patronage was not just an act of benevolence but also a demonstration of her agency and influence in a world dominated by men. The emotional resonance of this image lies in the tension between Anicia's privileged status and her ability to subvert traditional expectations through her support of cultural endeavors.