Explore the Description and style of this artwork.
The diptych shows the consul on both panels, seated on a throne and wearing a toga picta — a long, folded scarf arranged by a complex protocol.In both depictions, his left hand holds a scepter with an eagle surmounting a globe, while his right hand holds handkerchief (mappa circensis) used to begin the consul sponsored games. In both panels, with money bags at his feet are evidence of his munificence. In the image above, the left panel has the consul standing, while on the right panel, he sits on a curial chair.The dedicatory inscription on the second tablet records the event being celebrated, which therefore allows the work to be dated: EX P(raefecto) P(raetorio) P(raefectus) U(rbi) SEC(undo) CONS(ul) ORD(inarius) ET PATRIC(ius) "From the Praetorian Prefect, Praefectus Urbi for the second time, ordinary Consul and patrician." The inscription on the first tablet identifies the person being commemorated as Manlius Boethius.
The work shows signs of final decoration with a burin which was able to produce the different depths of relief (the sceptres, the figure of Boethius, the architecture in the background) and to create the light but plentiful embroidery of the tunics.
Manlius Boethius patrician burin Praetorian Prefect