Barberini ivory

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The Barberini ivory is one half of a Byzantine ivory imperial diptych dating from Late Antiquity, now in the Louvre. It is carved in the classical style known as late Theodosian, representing the emperor as triumphant victor. It is generally dated from first half of the sixth century and is attributed to an imperial workshop of Constantinople, while the emperor is usually identified as Justinian, or possibly Anastasius I or Zeno.

This diptych is a notable historical document because it is linked to queen Brunhilda of Austrasia. On the back there is a list of names of Frankish kings, all relatives of Brunhilda, indicating the important position of queens within Frankish royal families. She presumably ordered the list to be inscribed and offered it to the church as a votive image.

The emperor is accompanied in the main panel by a conquered barbarian in trousers at left, an allegorical figure, probably representing territory conquered or reconquered, who holds his foot in thanks or submission, and a angel or victory, crowning the emperor with the traditional palm of victory (which is now lost). Although the barbarian is partly hidden by the emperor's huge spear, this does not pierce him, and he seems more astonished and over-awed than combative. Above, Christ, with a fashionable curled hair-style, is flanked by two more angels in the style of pagan victory figures; he reigns above, while the emperor represents him below on earth. In the bottom panel barbarians from Europe (left, in trousers) and Africa (right, with ivory) bring tribute, which includes wild animals. The figure in the left panel, apparently not a saint but representing a soldier, carries a statuette of Victory; his counterpart on the right is lost.