COPTIC, 5TH CENTURY

Details

A FRAGMENT OF A TUNIC
COPTIC, 5TH CENTURY
The fragment of the plain-weave linen tunic, decorated with two clavi, each showing naked, winged putti, some of them carrying cornucopias, additionally on each band, a human figure represented frontally, predominant colours being the deep red, greens and blues, glazed and framed
the textile: 23 5/8 in. (60 cm) length

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The tunic was one of the most common articles of dressing in the ancient Meditarranean world. The majority of those extant today were excavated from graves in Egypt, where they were preserved due to the dry soil of the country. The tunics were frequently adorned with colourful, woven bands, squares or medallions. The subjects they represented were usually religious; they derived first from the pagan, and then from the Christian religion. The decoration of this lot, with the naked putti and the cornucopias is influenced by the former tradition, and this might suggest that it was produced before the predominance of Christianity.

More from Icons & Artefacts from the Orthodox World

View All