Disc of Theodosius in bronze. D 23cm

Description

Reproduction of a figure of Roman origin made in lost wax bronze. Silver plated.

Diameter: 23 cm.

Reproduction of the disc of Theodosius. The original (4th century) is in the Royal Academy of History (Madrid).

The original disc is made of silver and measures 74 cm in diameter. The piece was found broken in half and bent on itself. It was made to commemorate the ten or fifteen-year reign of the Roman Emperor Theodosius. It shows the emperor in a monumental Corinthian-style façade as he hands a decree to an official (possibly a distinction). On either side of Theodosius are two co-emperors (probably Valentinian II and Arcadius, or Honorius and Arcadius, depending on whether this was during the year 388 or 393), who in turn are depicted with four soldiers from the auxiliary troops. Below the main stage is a series of allegorical figures. The inscription, which surrounds the whole, is as follows: D(ominvs) N(oster) THEODOSIVS PERPET(vvs) AVG(vstvs) OB DIEM FELICISSIMVM X.