Coptic
Fragment of Clavus with Dancer and Portrait Medallion
Coptic, 301
Physical Qualities
Linen, wool, 10-1/4 x 2-3/8 in. (26 x 6 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Dena S. Katzenberg, Baltimore
Object Number
1985.240
A partial and fragmentary ornamental woven band (probably a clavus) with a tapestry woven design in dark brown (originally probably purple) consisting of a 3 1/2" "warrior" figure --possibly a Pyrrhic dancer--with staff and shield. Roundels (orbiculi) above and below the figure contain leaf forms. The top roundel also has a portrait featuring the head and shoulders of a bearded figure.
This fragment is actually composed of three smaller fragments joined together vertically. All edges are cut.
The base warp is S spun single linen yarns that are paired; while the weft is a combination of colored wool and S spun single linen yarns.
YPI: 40 Warp by 114 Weft, 128 Weft
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.
Anita Jones, "Matisse-Designed Textiles", Baltimore Museum of Art, rotation in Berman Gallery, December 13, 2007-June 23, 2008, no catalog.Anita Jones,
Anita Jones, "Matisse-Designed Textiles", Baltimore Museum of Art, rotation in Berman Gallery, December 13, 2007-June 23, 2008, no catalog.Anita Jones,