Diptych of Consul Lampadius or Lamadius (?) c. 3th - 4th century

Curator: Here we have a fascinating ivory diptych, likely commemorating a consul named Lampadius. Editor: It’s incredible. The carving is so detailed, especially considering the material, and it’s broken… it gives the piece a striking immediacy. Curator: Indeed, this would have served as a political statement, advertising Lampadius's power and beneficence. The upper register depicts him in office, while the lower shows public games. Editor: Look at the chariots. You can almost feel the movement. And how the ivory seems to glow despite its age. What kind of tools were used to manipulate this material? Curator: That's the key; an object like this tells us about the values of late antiquity, and how rulers like Lampadius wanted to be seen. Editor: And also about the artisan’s labor, the material’s inherent qualities, the market for luxury goods… fascinating. Curator: It really does open up a window into the past. Editor: Absolutely, it speaks volumes about craftsmanship and power.