Fragment of a hanging with a naturalistic face

Inventory number: FT 187
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

This fragment shows part of the face of a person with mid-length brown hair. The eyes and mouth are outlined in black, the lips and eyelids are in orangey- pink. Shades of pink and red give volume to the cheeks and the face. Orange and purple threads create an effect of depth in the brown hair with auburn highlights.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

5th - 6th century

Material:

Wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 10 cm, weft: 13 cm

Comparisons:

MAK, Vienna, inv. T 662-1883: portrait.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Woollen tapestry

I. No ground weave


II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

natural-coloured wool S: 7-8/cm

Weft:

brown, black, pink, orange, purple and natural-coloured wool S: 40/cm

Weave:

weft-faced tabby

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, vertical weft brocading, dovetailing; false hatching: paired wefts: 1 red and 1 purple yarn/pick

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