Tabula with Nilotic scenes

Inventory number: FT 51
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

A Nereid astride a fantasy sea animal in each corner, surrounded by putti and animals. A frieze of medallions enclosing curly-haired heads, four-legged animals and plants frames the whole.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

4th - 6th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

Largest part: warp: 29.5 cm, weft: 30 cm; dimensions: 28 x 28 cm

Comparisons:

Louvre, inv. AF 5472: Nereids.
Allen Memorial Art Museum, inv. 1953.255: Nereid.
The Nereid (nymph daughter of the sea god Nereus) was a popular and recurrent motif which, under the influence of Graeco-Roman art, is found in paintings, mosaics and bas-reliefs.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Inwoven tapestry on linen fabric

I. Ground weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S: 15/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured linen S: 14/cm

Weave:

tabby

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S

Weft:

brown wool Z: +/-55/cm; natural-coloured linen S: +/-52/cm

Weave:

extended tabby: alternating 2/2 & 1/1

Ribs per cm:

10

Special techniques:

slit tapestry, eccentric weft, flying thread brocading for details only

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