Large Framed Coptic Wool Garment Fragment with Dancing Nymphs

CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.

28 x 14 in. (2.1 kg total, 71 x 36 cm including frame).

Comprising a series of nude female figures on red background, probably maenads or nymphs, dancing to the sounds of cymbals held in their outstretched hands, each wearing a green proploma; wide band of geometric decoration above; mounted in a custom-made glazed frame. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Ex Dutch collection, 1960s.
UK collection 2018.

Literature

Cf. Del Francia Barocas, L., Museo dell'Alto Medioevo, Roma, I materiali Copti, p.160,186, nos.38, 49, for similar textile figures and warp.

Footnotes

The band is probably the terminal part of a large wall carpet. The warp material is raw natural twisted wool in one strand, with weft in linen and raw wool in red, orange, ochre yellow, blue green, olive green, blue. The motif still echoes themes of the pagan world, despite being made in the Christian Roman Empire.

CONDITION

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LOT 0478