Leaf of Diptych: Consul Areobindus c. 6th century

Curator: Let's explore "Leaf of Diptych: Consul Areobindus," an ivory carving from the Harvard Art Museums. The artist is unknown, but it offers a fascinating glimpse into Late Antique political imagery. Editor: It strikes me as powerfully hierarchical. Look how the central figure dominates the composition, elevated above everyone else, both literally and visually. Curator: Absolutely. The ivory material itself speaks to elite patronage and power. Consuls like Areobindus commissioned these diptychs to celebrate their office and distribute them as political gifts. Editor: I'm drawn to the dynamism of the lower register, those figures wrestling with lions. The contrast between the static, almost iconic, upper portion and the energetic lower section is remarkable. Curator: That interplay reflects the consul's role: both the embodiment of authority and the provider of spectacle for the populace, demonstrating his largesse. Editor: Thinking about composition and the interplay of form helps clarify its meaning. Curator: Considering the role and context helps us to unpack the symbolism here.