Fragment with an Armed Dancer
Later Greek writers, such as Nonnos of Panopolis, who flourished in Egypt in the fifth century AD, linked the god Dionysos with Pyrrhic dancers, like the one seen here. In a Pyrrhic dance, a dance of war or victory, armed boys and men performed a series of offensive and defensive movements to music. The leaf shape framing the dancer is a common decorative motif in early Byzantine textiles.
Artwork Details
- Title: Fragment with an Armed Dancer
- Date: 4th–5th century
- Geography: Made in Egypt
- Medium: Wool, linen; plain weave, tapestry weave
- Dimensions: H. 4 in. (10.2 cm)
W. 6 in. (15.2 cm) - Classification: Textiles
- Credit Line: Purchase by subscription, 1889
- Object Number: 89.18.114
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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probably 5th century
4th–5th century
3rd–4th century
4th–5th century
4th–5th century
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