Ostrakon with a Letter from Gennadius to Peter

580–640

Not on view

Ostraca are texts written on broken pottery, which were employed when parchment was unavailable or too expensive. At Epiphanius a large number of ostraca were discovered in the monastery, including in its rubbish heaps; they record biblical verses, legal documents, sermons, financial accounts, school texts, and letters requesting assistance and prayers. Some reveal that, even at the southernmost border of the Empire, people were still aware of events in the capital, Constantinople.

Ostracon with a Letter from Gennadius to Peter
I, Gennadius, do write and greet Peter, (saying,) Be pleased to enquire for these eggs for me, for there is need of them. Lo, the money have I sent with the servant and I will send and summon thee at this Feast.
Give it unto Peter; from Gennadius.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Ostrakon with a Letter from Gennadius to Peter
Date: 580–640
Geography: Made in Byzantine Egypt
Culture: Coptic
Medium: Pottery fragment with ink inscription
Dimensions: 5 13/16 × 3 3/4 × 7/16 in. (14.8 × 9.5 × 1.1 cm)
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1912
Object Number: 12.180.143
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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