description Diptych of Boethius Overview
The Diptych of Boethius is a late 5th-century consular ivory diptych originating from the Western Roman Empire. It was created to commemorate the consulship of Boethius in 487 AD, serving as an official administrative announcement distributed to allies and the empire. Carved across two hinged panels, the diptych features inscriptions and imagery typical of consular iconography, including the consul presiding over public games. It is an important surviving artifact for historians studying late antique ivory carving and Roman political traditions.
help Diptych of Boethius FAQ
What is the Diptych of Boethius, and when was it made?
It is a late 5th-century ivory consular diptych made to commemorate Manlius Boethius's consulship in 487. The work comes from the Western Roman Empire.
Was the Boethius in the diptych the famous philosopher?
The consul is Manlius Boethius, generally identified as the father of the philosopher Severinus Boethius. The diptych celebrates the father's consulship in 487, not a writing by the later philosopher.
What is carved on the Diptych of Boethius?
The consul appears in ceremonial dress holding a mappa, a cloth used in the public games, and an eagle-topped scepter. Money bags and other symbols of the games appear near his feet.
Where is the Diptych of Boethius kept?
The diptych is held by the Museo di Santa Giulia in Brescia, Italy. It measures approximately 24 by 18 by 2 centimeters.
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