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Roundel with Amazons and a Cross

7th–9th century (?)
Not on view
This silk fragment features two bare-breasted Amazons, or female warriors, who aim arrows at the rampant lions beneath their horses’ hooves. It is possible to trace the long popularity of this ancient iconography thanks to the large surviving numbers of similar silks in various colors and quality of weave. This example features a tiny cross at the top and bottom of the circular frame filled with heart shapes and vegetal patterns.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Roundel with Amazons and a Cross
  • Date: 7th–9th century (?)
  • Geography: Made in Egypt or Syria (?)
  • Culture: Byzantine
  • Medium: Weft-faced compound twill (samit) in green, beige, and brownish silk
  • Dimensions: Overall: 8 3/16 x 8 1/4in. (20.8 x 20.9cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Woven
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Hayford Peirce, 1987
  • Object Number: 1987.442.5
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

More Artwork

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Roundel with Amazons, Weft-faced compound twill ( samit ) in blue-violet and beige silk
Returned to lender
Roundel with Amazons
7th–9th century (?)
Fragment of a Band with Harvesters (?), Weft-faced compound twill ( samit ) in yellow and green silk
Returned to lender
Fragment of a Band with Harvesters (?)
7th-9th century (?)
Fragment of a Band with Noble Equestrian and Soldier, Inscribed “Joseph” in Greek or Coptic, Weft-faced compound twill ( samit ) in blue-violet and beige silk
Returned to lender
Fragment of a Band with Noble Equestrian and Soldier, Inscribed “Joseph” in Greek or Coptic
7th–9th century (?)
Fragment of a Band with Noble Equestrian and Soldier, Inscribed “Zacharaiou” in Greek, Weft-faced compound twill ( samit ) in reddish purple and beige silk
Returned to lender
Fragment of a Band with Noble Equestrian and Soldier, Inscribed “Zacharaiou” in Greek
7th-9th century (?)
Fragments of a Band with Harvesters (?), Weft-faced compound twill ( samit ) in yellow and green silk
Returned to lender
Fragments of a Band with Harvesters (?)
7th–9th century (?)

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