Diptych of Consul Probus Magnus, 518 AD c. 6th century

Curator: The Diptych of Consul Probus Magnus, dating back to 518 AD, presents a fascinating study in Late Antique ivory carving. Editor: Its vertical composition and shallow relief lend it a certain hieratic quality, doesn’t it? What do you make of the figures depicted? Curator: We see Probus Magnus himself, flanked by allegorical figures. Note the meticulous detail in the drapery and the architectural framework. The semiotic weight of these elements suggests a carefully constructed message. Editor: Precisely. Considering Probus Magnus's senatorial role in a fractured empire, is the diptych perhaps an assertion of authority amidst political instability? Curator: A compelling point. The artist—sadly unknown— masterfully employed classical motifs to bolster Probus Magnus's image during a time of transition. I would say the material itself gives it strength. Editor: Indeed, ivory as a medium speaks volumes about power. It is a fascinating object. Curator: A truly rich artifact.