Fragment with an Arch and a Gemmed Cross
This vibrantly colored fragment of a hanging is a rare example of the survival of an Egyptian textile that may have been part of the furnishings of a Christian site. It is one of two similar fragments given to the Museum by Nanette B. Kelekian. Each is decorated with an arch enclosing an elaborately jeweled form of the Christian cross. No other works of the type are known to have survived. The pieces were probably once part of one large hanging embellished with a series of arches supported by columns.
One capital, adorned with grape clusters, and a portion of a column remain on the right edge of this fragment. The cross under the arch has been combined with the Greek letter chi (X) to from a variant on the Christogram widely used by the early church as an abbreviation for the name of Christ.
The patterns on the textile replicate those found on contemporary Egyptian stone carvings, which would have been painted in similarly brilliant colors. Christianity spread widely in Egypt, the country in which monasticism first developed. When complete, the hanging may have been used in a doorway or to screen off an interior part of a church.
One capital, adorned with grape clusters, and a portion of a column remain on the right edge of this fragment. The cross under the arch has been combined with the Greek letter chi (X) to from a variant on the Christogram widely used by the early church as an abbreviation for the name of Christ.
The patterns on the textile replicate those found on contemporary Egyptian stone carvings, which would have been painted in similarly brilliant colors. Christianity spread widely in Egypt, the country in which monasticism first developed. When complete, the hanging may have been used in a doorway or to screen off an interior part of a church.
Artwork Details
- Title: Fragment with an Arch and a Gemmed Cross
- Date: 5th–6th century
- Culture: Byzantine
- Medium: Linen, wool
- Dimensions: Overall: 18 7/8 x 25 1/8 in. (47.9 x 63.9 cm)
Framed: 23 1/2 x 28 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. (59.7 x 72.4 x 3.8 cm) - Classification: Textiles-Woven
- Credit Line: Gift of Nanette B. Kelekian, in honor of Nobuko Kajitani, 2002
- Object Number: 2002.239.16
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Coptic
4th–6th century
Coptic
4th century
Coptic
4th century
Coptic
4th century
Coptic
4th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.