Diptych of Consul Philoxenus, 525 AD c. 6th century

Editor: This is the Diptych of Consul Philoxenus, dating back to 525 AD. It's quite striking with its ivory carvings and circular portraits. What symbolic weight do you think these portraits carry? Curator: Notice how the serpent motif binds the images, recalling the Ouroboros, an ancient symbol of cyclicality and eternity. It suggests that power and memory are continually reborn. What emotional impact does this recurring symbol have on you? Editor: It gives the piece a timeless feel, like these figures are echoes of rulers past and future. Curator: Precisely. The diptych becomes a cultural touchstone, invoking the enduring nature of authority and the persistence of visual language. Editor: I hadn't considered the serpent that way before, it definitely adds layers to the reading. Curator: Indeed, symbols are seldom simple, and this work reminds us of how deeply rooted our visual culture is.