3-041-231 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The Mutilation of Byzantine Emperors Justinian II and Philippicus; Des cas des nobles hommes et femmes, about 1413-1415. Additional Info: At the left, a man cuts off the nose and lips of the Byzantine emperor Justinian II, whose ruthlessness led to the revolt of his people in 695. Justinian regained control of his kingdom but was later deposed, resulting in Philippicus's succession as emperor. According to Boccaccio, Philippicus waged war against sacred images and their veneration. His army deposed and blinded him, as seen on the right. Having tried to prevent others from viewing sacred images of God and the saints, he fittingly lost his own sight.