Tapestry Square
5th-6th century
This tapestry fragment is divided into nine square segments, each containing roundels with individualized decorations. The central roundel depicts a tree or vegetal branch underneath a bird and flanked by two animals, which are likely hares. The four corner roundels contain nude human figures in various positions of dance or play, while the remaining four roundels depict abstracted floral motifs. The chaotic iconographic cornucopia may be read as an evocation of natural abundance and human prosperity.
Compare the central roundel’s tree pattern with that of McMullen 2018.17 in this collection. Compare the nine-fold layout and the floral and animal motifs with fragment BZ.1953.2.42 in the Dumbarton Oaks Byzantine Collection.
Artwork Details
Title:
Tapestry Square
Date:
5th-6th century
Geography:
Egypt
Classification:
Textile
Materials:
Linen and wool
Dimensions:
28.5 x 28.5 cm (11.25 x 11.25 in)
Repository:
McMullen Museum of Art, Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Accession Number:
McMullen 2018.16
Tellalian Number:
Tellalian 1984-00500A
Donor:
Barbara and Donald Tellalian
Provenance:
Purchased from Nanette R. Kelekian on 24 March 1984. Previously in possession of Charles Dikran Kelekian, Ancient Arts, New York, NY. 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 142. Boston College: McMullen Museum of Art, distributed by the University of Chicago Press, 2014.
Conservation History:
February 2015: Windsor Conservation, Dover, MA.