1975.41.11: Square with Four Medallions
Textile Arts
This object does not yet have a description.
Identification and Creation
- Object Number
- 1975.41.11
- Title
- Square with Four Medallions
- Classification
- Textile Arts
- Work Type
- tapestry
- Date
- 4th-6th century
- Places
- Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Africa, Egypt (Ancient)
- Period
- Byzantine period, Early
- Culture
- Byzantine
- Persistent Link
- https://hvrd.art/o/288730
Physical Descriptions
- Medium
- Wool and linen, tapestry weave
- Technique
- Woven, tapestry weave
- Dimensions
- 20.5 x 21.5 cm (8 1/16 x 8 7/16 in.)
Acquisition and Rights
- Credit Line
- Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of The Hagop Kevorkian Foundation in memory of Hagop Kevorkian
- Accession Year
- 1975
- Object Number
- 1975.41.11
- Division
- Asian and Mediterranean Art
- Contact
- am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
- Permissions
-
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Descriptions
- Description
-
Tapestry sqaure with four medallions, animal motifs, lion and rabbit. A lion and a rabbit in active poses accompany two crosses of undyed wool that stand out against dark backgrounds. Leaves fill the unoccupied space within the square, showing that the arrangement of these four medallions should be understood as a variant on the inhabited vine scroll pattern.
- Commentary
- The crosses and animals may have operated as protective talismans for the home or, if the square originally belonged to a garment, for the wearer: the combination of multiple protective motifs only enhanced the object’s power.
Exhibition History
- 32Q: 3740 Egyptian, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 06/20/2018 - 11/28/2018
Verification Level
This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu