1297 (original number) and 8-5102 (previous museum number (recataloged from))
Accession number:
Acc.158 and Acc.193
Description:
Cast of Diptych. Imitation, with Greek inscriptions: FLavius ANASTASIVS PAVLVS PROBVS|SABINIAN(VS) POMPEOVS ANASTASIVS between crosses † (Christian) † and VIRINL COM DOMESTIC EQVIT ET CONSV ORDIN between crosses. From an ivory original. Louvre Museum, Paris. Carvins: fastigiate consular throne; on top two winged putty with garlands, three medallions of emperor, empress dowager, and empress; five others, smaller, on ends of seat, held by Victories right and left of Consul, and on eagle of scepter. The Consul, in vestments, lifts the mappa for games to begin. Ivory cased writing tablets (diptychs) became a favorite, handsome New Year’s present. When presented, as they often were, to Roman Consuls of the Empire, they are called consular diptychs, and are apt to portray the Consul himself in the exercise of his functions, as 1297 does. Anastasius was Roman Consul in 517 A. D. The principal figure and adjuncts are repeated on the second face of the diptych. Below and before the consular throne is a representation of the Flavian amphitheater, with ten spectators viewing a combat of a man and beasts. A man, above the animal groups, rides to right between two women with lassos (?). Two Amazons, on the other face, lead the one a griffon, the other gigantic goat, caparisoned like horses. These are probably statues. Before them, a scene from a tragedy.
Donor:
Alfred Emerson
Collection place:
Louvre Museum, Paris, France
Verbatim coll. place:
Cast Works of the Louvre Museum, Paris
Collector:
Alfred Emerson
Inscription:
FLavius ANASTASIVS PAVLVS PROBVS and SABINIAN(VS) POMPEOVS ANASTASIVS" between crosses † (Christian) † and "VIRINL COM DOMESTIC EQVIT ET CONSV ORDIN" between crosses.