Artist name:
Egypt, Coptic
Artwork title:
Fragment of tunic
Description: Fragment of the centre top part of a tunic consisting of 3 parts: 1. top front (under the neckline) patterned; 2. Underneath a plain linen square, neutral colour, forming part of the tunic itself with 2 lengthwise running patterned stripes on the right and left side which probably formed part of 1 originally much longer clavus woven directly into the base material of the tunic; 3. 3 pieces of brick-red plain material joined to the principal, patterned fragment, most probably later additions to give the fragment a more picture-like appearance. The design is late Hellenistic style most probably depicting a Bacchanalian dance scene in silhouette style, weaving and embroidered details executed with the flying needle. Top border: consists of 5 medallions, most probably idealised memorial portraits; Principal border: consists of 4 arches divided from each other by pillar-aedicula; in each arch from the left to right: dancing female - soldier - dancing female - soldier; Lower border: consists of 5 medallions, the placing and diameter identical with those in the top border; the first and fifth medallion show idealised memorial portraits; the 3 central medallions contain a repeated vase/wine jar design; Lengthwise borders: probably the starting points of the originally much longer clavus; on the left is the same soldier as in the principal border, on the right the dancing female; the repeat of the design is missing; Small outer border encircling the top and two sides of the design: consists of stylised wine leaves in a running pattern; Colours: the fragment is badly soiled but the principal colour is most probably the genuine purple extracted from the murex purpura; dashes of ochre, dark green and brick red; The weave: rib-weave with slanting weft; embroidery with the flying needle; wool on linen.
Artwork date(s): 4th/5th century
Artwork type: Mediterranean/Middle East Collection
Medium: woven wool on linen
Measurements: 390X350
Accession number: 566
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