The Medallion of Valentinian III

This is a large-format medallion with a bust of Emperor Valentinian III on the recto and, on the reverse, a hydraulic organ with organist and two bellows operators. The water cistern is wide, taller than wide, and rests on a plinth; the lateral air pumps are operated by young men. The wind chest supports 10/11 pipes of extraordinary height, held by two bars, with slight inclination and the treble pipes to the right of the organist. The overall height of the instrument exceeds 2 m, with medium pipes of 1.50 m. The depicted organ is of an evolved and unusual type, probably the largest known hydraulis of the period, a testimony to the colossal musical practice of the fourth century.