Parigi (Francia). Museo del Louvre: Avorio Bizantino VI sec .- Giustiniano difensore della fede. Copertina

This is the only near-complete leaf of an imperial diptych to have come down to us. The ivory was composed of five separate elements. Here, only the right-hand plaque is missing. The centre of the diptych is occupied by a carving in high relief of the triumph of a mounted emperor, Anastasius (491-518) or, more likely, Justinian (527-565). To his right, but now lost, an allegory of Victory, set on a globe engraved with a cross, held out a crown to him. A spear in the horseman's right hand is planted in the ground to hold back a bearded figure - a Persian or Scythian, it would seem, judging by the clothing and cap. Sitting beneath the horse's hoofs, a woman symbolizing the Earth holds the emperor's right foot in a gesture of submission. In the upper section, a bust of Christ administering a blessing is flanked by Winged Victories. On the left, a soldier is preparing to give the horseman a statuette of Victory bearing a laurel wreath. At the bottom, the vanquished have come to pay tribute to their conqueror. (First half of 6th c.)