Tapestry Panel
8th-9th century
Geometric, abstracted patterns, such as the designs found on this fragment, abound among the decorative motifs of textiles from this period, although usually such patterns are accompanied by figural imagery. Red and yellow dominate this fragment’s color palette, against a dark blue background, and the crenellated outer border is marked by four trefoils in each corner.
A nearly identical iconographical layout may be found on BZ.1953.2.103 in the Dumbarton Oaks Byzantine Collection, which, owing to the unusual design and density of geometric patterns, has been suggested by that object’s commentator to have been a “practice weaving.”
Artwork Details
Title:
Tapestry Panel
Date:
8th-9th century
Geography:
Egypt
Classification:
Textile
Materials:
Linen and wool
Dimensions:
17.5 x 14.5 cm (7 x 5.75 in)
Repository:
McMullen Museum of Art, Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Accession Number:
McMullen 2018.15
Tellalian Number:
Tellalian 1984-00150
Donor:
Barbara and Donald Tellalian
Provenance:
Purchased from Harmer Rooke Galleries, New York, NY on 13 March 1984. Prior provenance unknown.
Exhibition History:
No known exhibition history
Publication History:
No known publication history
Conservation History:
Unknown month, 1984: Donald Tellalian -- vacuum, wet wash with igepal and distilled water, thorough rinsing with distilled water, drying on glass.