Tapestry Fragment with Six Birds
7th-8th century
On this fragment, six birds flank a stylized tree, vine, or candelabra in a classic green, red, and yellow color scheme. Birds and vegetal motifs are among the more common stylistic themes found on textiles from this period. The birds, in well-designed mirrored pairs, are a particularly impressive example of artistic ingenuity, and might be read as symbols of abundance or prosperity.
Contrast with the dove depicted on McMullen 2018.22 in this collection.
Artwork Details
Title:
Tapestry Fragment with Six Birds
Date:
7th-8th century
Geography:
Egypt
Classification:
Textile
Materials:
Polychrome wool
Dimensions:
26 x 11 cm (10.25 x 4.25 in)
Repository:
McMullen Museum of Art, Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Accession Number:
McMullen 2018.3
Tellalian Number:
Tellalian 1978-00350
Donor:
Barbara and Donald Tellalian
Provenance:
Purchased from Charles Dikran Kelekian, Ancient Arts, New York, NY on 25 November 1978. Provenance unknown prior to Kelekian family.
Exhibition History:
McMullen Museum of Art, Boston College. Roman in the Provinces: Art on the Periphery of Empire, 14 February - 31 May 2015. https://www.bc.edu/sites/artmuseum/exhibitions/rip/
Publication History:
Nicgorski, Ann M. “The Fate of Serapis: A Paradigm for Transformations in the Culture and Art of Late Roman Egypt.” In Roman in the Provinces: Art on the Periphery of Empire, edited by Lisa R. Brody and Gail L. Hoffman, 153–66, plate 147. Boston College: McMullen Museum of Art, distributed by the University of Chicago Press, 2014.
Conservation History:
No known conservation history