Symmachi and Nicomachi Diptych

The Symmachi and Nicomachi Diptych is a late Roman ivory diptych dating to around 400 AD. It was created for the aristocratic Symmachi and Nicomachi families. It is considered one of the finest surviving examples of late antique ivory carving.

The surviving panels of the diptych are split between two major museums. One leaf depicting a priestess is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The other leaf, showing a scene of sacrifice, is housed in the Musée de Cluny in Paris.

The diptych features intricate carvings of pagan religious rituals and classical mythology, specifically an idol of Jupiter and a priestess. This was a defiant display of traditional Roman paganism at a time when Christianity was becoming the dominant religion. It highlights the cultural transition of the late Roman Empire.

In late antiquity, elite families commissioned these luxury ivory diptychs to commemorate events like marriages or appointments to high office. They were originally joined by hinges and functioned as elaborate writing tablets. The Symmachi-Nicomachi diptych was likely created to celebrate a union between the two powerful families.