Final answer:
The porphyry sculpture of the Tetrarchs represents unity and stability, as the embracing figures of Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius symbolize a solidified collective rule during the Tetrarchy. The durable material and Late Antique style of the statue further reinforce the concept of enduring authority and the shift from Classical individualism to Tetrarchic cooperation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The porphyry sculpture of the Tetrarchs from Constantinople embodies the stability and unity that the Tetrarchy brought to the Roman Empire. By depicting Diocletian and Maximian, along with their respective caesars, Galerius and Constantius, embracing each other, the sculpture communicates a message of solidarity among the rulers. This idea is further reinforced by the choice of material and style—the durable porphyry and the Late Antique artistic approach emphasize the enduring nature of their joint rule and the collective authority they possessed. In comparison to previous portraiture that highlighted individuality, the uniformity and nearly indistinguishable figures of the Tetrarchs symbolize their interchangeable power and the importance of cooperation within the empire's leadership. The statue's style, with its blocky, simplified forms and repetition of lines, contrasts starkly with the idealism and naturalism of Classical sculpture, reflecting a shift in cultural ethos in the later periods of the Roman Empire.