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Fragment of Band or Clavus with Saint’s Head Flanked by Horsemen
Public Domain

Coptic

Fragment of Band or Clavus with Saint’s Head Flanked by Horsemen

Coptic, 301

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Coptic

Fragment of Band or Clavus with Saint’s Head Flanked by Horsemen

Coptic, 301

Physical Qualities Wool, linen, 2 5/8 x 7 7/8 in. (6.7 x 20 cm.)
Credit Line Gift of Dena S. Katzenberg, Baltimore
Object Number 1985.223
A tapestry woven band, possibly a tunic ornament such as a partial arm band or even clavus, divided into three sections, The center depicts a portrait head of a haloed saint or holy person. This portrait is flanked by two opposing figures mounted on bridled horses, their wildly elongated arms arms reaching in wide arcs to the back of the horse. The firgures have enlarged heads and eyes. The polycrhome figures are depicted on a red ground. in blue-green, olive, beige, navy blue-black, gold and white yarns. The narrow borders on either side of the figural sections are divided into segments or "gems" in dark blue-green, olive green, beige, gold, yellow, and orange-red. This fragment is very unevenly worn on top and bottom edges, but less so on the short ends. The fabric is tapestry woven with an S twist Z ply (2) linen warp and S twist single woolen wefts.
Baltimore Museum of Art by gift 1985; Dena S. Katzenberg, Baltimore, MD.
Anita Jones, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Timeless Weft: Ancient Tapestries and the Art of Louise B. Wheatley", February 1–July 30, 2017.

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