Group of Figures: Ariana and her Procession

Ariana and her procession
Ariana and her procession
Constantinople, first
half of the 6th century
Ivory
H. 0.40 m; W. 0.14 m
Cl. 455

This statuette, carved from an elephant's eyetooth, is of an exceptional size. It represents Ariana, identified by the figures surrounding her (satyr, cupids...) and the items she holds (a stick, a cup). The superb workmanship of the beautifully polished ivory makes this one of the masterpieces of early 6th century Contantinople art. The characters seem filled with ease, indeed with sensuality, as shown here. Their perfectly oval faces and heavy eyes depict well the luxury and opulence favoured by the elites of the day, who continued to relish pagan mythological subjects.