Sculpture
Byzantine sculptures of imperial women operate on a few levels which serve to provide credibility for their power. At the very center of Byzantine culture is that women, especially imperial figures, who are believed to be chosen by God, must have a high level of beauty. The unparalleled beauty and dignity is attempted in every visual art form for Byzantine empresses, but is most striking in three dimensional sculpture, as the details of the features of the figure are more finely completed. Another important aspect that provides credibility for a female ruler is the jewelry she is adorned with. The diadem in the Byzantine empire is not just a symbol of beauty and wealth, but a defined attribute of rulership and authority.
Theodora had a scandalous past as a performer and a daughter of a bear keeper that she never attempted to conceal. What enables her to rise above these humble origins is her beauty, as she is chosen in a bride pageant to be the wife of Justinian. Therefore, as beauty is a central part of female imperial power, it is necessary to use outward features as a means to provide credibility to rulership. Thedora was depicted in sculpture in such a way to prove that her beauty was a demonstration that she was chosen by God to rule alongside Justinian.
The 3D model of Theodora, unfortunately does not represent her beauty in the same way. In this case, the emphasis is not on establishing her place as a ruler but making art and art history more accessible. Yet, without the creation of the original representation and the consecration of her rulership, she would not be an eminent figure in Byzantine history. Modern representations therefore demonstrate that her visual representation, specifically in sculpture, cemented her rule not just at the time, but enabled a figure that is remembered even today.