The Symmachi diptych panel

On this panel, a priestess, bust bare, rekindles the flame of an altar. The pine tree sheltering her suggests a depiction of worship dedicated to the goddess Cybele, the ceremonies of which were held beneath this sacred tree.

Above the young woman, a cartouche lists the Nicomachi lineage. 

We know of the other panel of this diptych (Victoria& Albert Museum, London) which shows the Symmachi. The diptych, a masterpiece of Roman ivory art, no doubt celebrated the union between these Roman families, who continued to follow pagan cults.

The exquisite fine detail of the ivory craftsmanship means this piece exudes a certain allure, its material making it valuable.

It comes from the abbey of Montier-en-Der (Haute-Marne), where it was mounted on a reliquary.