Book cover with inset of Consul Flavius Asturias c. 5th century

Curator: This is a book cover with an inset of Consul Flavius Anastasius, crafted by an unknown artist and currently housed in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first thought is about the power conveyed through the central figure's pose, but also the vulnerability inherent in using ivory, a material often associated with colonial extraction. Curator: Yes, the ivory panel depicts Anastasius enthroned, flanked by attendants. He holds a mappa, a cloth signaling the start of games—a clear emblem of authority. The frame itself features geometric and floral motifs, common signifiers of paradise and order. Editor: Absolutely, but it also invites critical examination of power structures: who is included in this vision of order, and who is marginalized or exploited to maintain it? We must remember the historical context. Curator: I see your point. The image also conveys an idealized vision of imperial rule, connecting Anastasius to the divine through symbolic imagery. It creates a powerful statement. Editor: I agree. Reflecting on this piece, it's a potent reminder of how art serves to both reflect and reinforce societal hierarchies, inviting us to critically examine the narratives they construct. Curator: Indeed, it's a compelling image to contemplate the complex interplay between art, power, and belief.