Url https://dhprojects.bc.edu/s/TellalianTextiles/item/2009 Title Tapestry Fragment in Dark Blue Wool Description In Greek and Roman mythology, half-man half-horse beasts were known as centaurs. The most famous such creature, Chiron, was said to have taught legendary heroes such as Achilles, Jason, and Ajax, and Homer considered him to be the “most just” of all the centaurs (Iliad XI.832). This small fragment could have been woven into a tunic, or been part of a larger decorative tapestry. Although pagan creatures, centaurs continued to capture the minds of artists well into the middle ages and beyond, serving as enduring symbols of fantasy and antiquity.

Compare to the more-detailed centaur found on BZ.1972.4 in the Dumbarton Oaks Byzantine Collection. Date 5th century Type Textile Spatial Coverage Egypt Temporal Coverage 5th century 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. Repository McMullen Museum of Art, Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts, USA Materials Linen and wool Dimension (in) 4.25 x 3.5 in Dimension (cm) 11 x 8.75 cm Accession Number McMullen 2018.21 Tellalian Number Tellalian 1984-00050B Donor Barbara and Donald Tellalian Exhibition History No known exhibition history Publication History No known publication history Conservation History No known conservation history Rights https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/ Public Domain --