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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1975.41.29
Title
Fragment of a Hanging: Amazonomachy
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/288816

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Wool, tapestry woven
Technique
Tapestry
Dimensions
actual: 103.5 x 53.5 cm (40 3/4 x 21 1/16 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
1975.41.29
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Repeated scene of an armed man striking a seated figure inside medallions. Several smaller figures recoil from his action. Diaper pattern border along top.

The textile in its current state is made up of several medallions patched together. Parts from at least 3 (possibly more) different medallions are discernable.

Tapestry over one warp
Warps: S spun whitish wool
Wefts: S spun colored wool
Commentary
Scene depicted in the medallions could be Achilles killing the Amazon Penthesilea. The version of this scene on the Dura Europos shield is iconographically similar to the composition of the medallions. Version on the tondo of a 5th century BCE Attic red-figure kylix found at Vulci is also similar, with other people on the perimeter of the scene.

Publication History

  • "Pagan and Christian Egypt: Egyptian Art from the First to the Tenth Century A.D." (1941), Brooklyn Museum, p. 74, no. 234, ill.

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