Diptych of Anastasius, 517 A.D. Ivory, Bibliotheque Nationale, ParisPainting or sculpture (usually in ivory) consisting of two panels hinged together, most often employed as a portable altar or altarpiece. (Brockhampton)
The diptych featured in the photograph is carved ivory, of the emperor Anastasius who is enthroned, perched above an arena of men and animals.
"Anastasius sits in rigid formality, making a static, suspended gesture - entirely symbolic, the abstraction of his consular authority. ... The work is entirely ornamental and symbolic; the living man is lost in the concept - in this case, the concept of supreme and suprahuman authority." (Gardner)
The diptych featured in the photograph is carved ivory, of the emperor Anastasius who is enthroned, perched above an arena of men and animals.
"Anastasius sits in rigid formality, making a static, suspended gesture - entirely symbolic, the abstraction of his consular authority. ... The work is entirely ornamental and symbolic; the living man is lost in the concept - in this case, the concept of supreme and suprahuman authority." (Gardner)
