Orbiculus with figures wearing diadems

Inventory number: FT 20
Photo Michel Lechien, Musée royal de Mariemont

The two figures could portray either the last meeting between Achilles and the Amazonion queen Penthelisia, or a simply putto and a Nereid (a recurrent theme in these textiles). The conch that crowns the scene may support the second hypothesis. Their blue and red diadems suggest rather high status.

Origin:

Egypt

Date:

5th - 6th century

Material:

Linen and wool

Dimensions:

Warp: 17.5 cm, weft: 16 cm

Comparisons:

MdK, Basel, inv. III 17064: Achilles and Penthelisia.

Provenance:

Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation

Location:

Musée royal de Mariemont

Inwoven tapestry

I. Ground weave

Warp:

natural-coloured linen S: 16/cm

Weft:

natural-coloured linen S: 16/cm

Weave:

tabby
3 parts of the ground weave are originally not part of this textile

II. Tapestry areas

Warp:

linen S

Weft:

red, black, yellow, green and orange wool S: 40/cm; natural-coloured linen S: 54/cm

Weave:

extended tabby 2/2

Ribs per cm:

8

Special techniques:

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

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