Fragment of a Plaque with a Standing Woman
Colored wax originally filled the zones between the areas carved in relief. The relief would then clearly have shown a richly dressed woman holding a tray on which may rest a pair of gold bracelets. The figure may be a serving girl or Chresis, who personified the good use of acquired wealth.
Bone plaques were used to decorate couches, chests, and other furniture. Some were carved in relief; others were carved in intaglio with the incised designs often filled with colored wax. Both styles could be used on the same object. The designs frequently represent Dionysiac themes.
Bone plaques were used to decorate couches, chests, and other furniture. Some were carved in relief; others were carved in intaglio with the incised designs often filled with colored wax. Both styles could be used on the same object. The designs frequently represent Dionysiac themes.
Artwork Details
- Title: Fragment of a Plaque with a Standing Woman
- Date: 4th century
- Geography: Made in Byzantine Egypt
- Culture: Coptic
- Medium: Bone
- Dimensions: Overall: 2 7/16 x 1 1/4 x 1/16 in. (6.2 x 3.1 x 0.1 cm)
- Classification: Ivories-Bone
- Credit Line: Gift of J. William Middendorf II, 1980
- Object Number: 1980.31
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
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Roman
300–350
Coptic
4th–5th century
Coptic
4th–5th century
Coptic
4th–5th century
Roman or Byzantine
late 300s
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