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