Leaf of a diptych from consul Areobindus

Diptych Leaf of
Consul Areobindus
Constantinople, 506
Ivory
H. 0.39 m; W. 0.13 m
Acq. 1894 
Cl. 13135

From the end of the 4th century, it was customary for consuls on entering office to offer ivory diptychs with a writing tablet inside. The effigy of the public person, either alone or in context, was shown on the outside; inscriptions indicated his name and titles. The leaf at the Museum of the Middle Ages, identified by comparing it with other preserved specimens (Zurich, Besançon, Luca), was part of a diptych offered by the Consul Areobindus in 506. Certain details relate directly to Areobindus' career: the two victories placed on each side of the seat are perhaps an allusion to his wartime activities.