Two Figures Framed by a Jeweled Border Egypt, Byzantine period

Two Figures Framed by a Jeweled Border

450–550 CE

Egypt, Byzantine period

dyed wool, undyed linen; slit-tapestry weave with supplementary weft wrapping and plain weave headings

Overall: 24.1 x 28.6 cm (9 1/2 x 11 1/4 in.); Mounted: 33 x 37.5 cm (13 x 14 3/4 in.)

Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund 1979.58

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Description

This weaving depicts a haloed man and woman. However, it once had a third figure at left. The textile was damaged before its 1979 acquisition; only the third figure’s partial halo and shoes remained. Staff decided to “close the gap” around the missing area and remove the shoes. While creating a “complete” image, that removal affects our ability to understand the weaving’s subject. Many questions remain: Who are the man and woman? His red cap may identify him as an “Easterner” or a freeman. Who was their missing companion? Continuing research will consider biblical and Greek mythological stories in which threads play a role.