Archaeological Museum of Bologna

The diptych is an object for writing, composed by two rectangular tablets, finely carved on the external face, linked by a metal hinge and closable, on which was smeared a layer of wax to be engraved with a stylus. These precious objects were created to hold imperial decrees or to honor important people, on special occasions, such as the consuls at the time of the office.

More info

This fragment of diptych is illustrated with the figure of a philosopher – holding a written scroll – of the time of the Emperor Antemius. The medallion above shows the bust of an elderly man; the lettering “ARCV” of the name “MARCVS” survives beneath, while the base of the figure states “PETRVS”. Inscriptions with names of saints date back to the Middle Ages (9th century).

Provenance: Palagi Collection
Datation: Second half of 5th century AD
Material: ivory
Dimensions: height cm 29,9; width cm 9,5
Inventory #: pcr 13