Egyptian Hematite Macehead

Comprising: a segmentum in red, green and black wool upon coarse linen, S torsion, embroidered with two stylised human figures, standing with the arms along the body, inscribed within a square framed with red and black chevrons, black and yellow borders; a tabula in purple wool and coarse linen, on brown linen background, S torsion, embroidered with a central cross, the borders decorated with meanders. 41 grams total including package, 10.5-13.3 cm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

The tabula, or tablion, was a square embroidery used to decorate tunics or mantles. The Christian elements, like the cross at the centre of our tabula, began to decorate the garments from the 4th century onwards.

Proof etching on laid paper of plate 10 'Basse Égypte entitled Carte hydrographique de la Basse-Égypte. 246 grams, 105 69.5 cm



From the collection of a North American priest. Acquired between 1981-1996. Property of a North American collector.

Produced between February 1802 and 1830 on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte; published between 1809 and 1828. Just 1,000 copies were distributed to various institutions, printed on laid paper with an 'Égypte ancienne et moderne' watermark. The book is subtitled Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l’expédition de l’Armée française, publié par les ordres de Sa Majesté l’Empereur Napoléon le Grand (Gathering of observations and discoveries which were made in Egypt during the expedition of the French army, published on the orders of His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon the Great). It was the world's first encyclopedia devoted exclusively to the remains of ancient Egypt. The plates of this book are the first to present the archaeological sites of Thebes (Luxor).

Small fragment of a garment in yellow, green and red wool, S torsion, embroidered with female heads wearing high propoloma. 10 grams total including package, 76 mm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

This fragment was most likely part of a tapestry medallion with symbolic figures, likely linked to the Christian cult or, perhaps, to the Dionysian iconography. These figures could surround Tyche (a city's patron deity) or a figure of Christ or Saints.