Panel of a Diptych Announcing the Consulship of Justinian

Art Historical Context

Step into the grandeur of early Byzantine Rome with this exquisite ivory panel from a consular diptych, carved in 521 to celebrate Justinian's consulship. Measuring just 13⅞ × 5⅜ inches, this delicate leaf—likely one of a hinged pair—announces the triumph of Justinian, who would ascend as emperor six years later under his uncle Justin I. Produced in the waning days of the Western Roman tradition, such diptychs were gifts distributed by consuls to senators and dignitaries, symbolizing political power and continuity from ancient Republican customs into the Christian Byzantine era. Crafted from ...