Fragments of a hanging or curtain with winged female figures

Inventory number: FT 194
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

Two winged, flying figures face each other. Each holds a green crown, an allegory for immortality derived from classical Greco-Roman iconography, which Christian culture appropriated through the representation of Christ’s bust and the cross. Here, the missing motif in the crown prevents certitude about one or the other of these symbols. The feet belonging to-the figure on the left have been erroneously ‘attributed’ to the left figure.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

5th - 6th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

1) feet: warp: 23 cm, weft: 16.5;
2) figure with dish: warp: 41 cm, weft: 57 cm;
3) other figure: warp: 30 cm, weft: 26 cm;
4) border: warp: 17 cm, weft: 34 cm

Comparisons:

British Museum, inv. EA 29771.
Brooklyn Museum, inv. 74.155.
In the Allegories of Victory (Nike), it is the bust of a victorious emperor or deceased person that decorates the crown (or medallion), but sometimes it can also be an allegory of Abundance.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Linen and woollen tapestry

I. Ground weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S: 10-14/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured linen S: 8-9/cm

Weave:

tabby

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

linen S

Weft:

red , orange, blue, nuances of yellow and green wool S: 22-28/cm; natural-coloured linen S: 16/cm

Weave:

extended tabby 2/2; fragment 4: irregular units of 2 and 3 warp yarns

Ribs per cm:

5-7

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric wef

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