Textile Fragment Depicting a Male Figure under an Arch

11th–12th century

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

Although the Arabic script in the arch over the central figure is illegible, its presence marks the space within the arch with its hanging lamp as a holy one, as does the pose of the seated man. The orant pose, with hands upraised in prayer was long used in Christian and Jewish art communities and came to be used in an Islamic context.

Artwork Details

Overview

Exhibition History

Title: Textile Fragment Depicting a Male Figure under an Arch
Date: 11th–12th century
Geography: Made in Egypt
Medium: Tapestry weave in polychrome silk and undyed linen on plain weave ground of undyed linen
Dimensions: 9 3/4 x 6 3/16 in. (24.8 x 15.7 cm)
Classification: Textiles
Credit Line: Benaki Museum, Athens (15040)
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters