Fragment of a Wall Hanging with a Musician Playing the Oud
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.During both the Byzantine and the Islamic periods, female images signified abundance, fertility, intellectual pursuits, deities, and cities. Women also appear as court entertainers such as dancers, musicians, and courtesans.
A female musician plays a lute (‘oud in Arabic). Her long eyebrows, big eyes, and line at the end of her nose became popular on later "Fatimid dolls." She represents the Islamic continuation of a tradition of female performers long popular in the Byzantine world.
A female musician plays a lute (‘oud in Arabic). Her long eyebrows, big eyes, and line at the end of her nose became popular on later "Fatimid dolls." She represents the Islamic continuation of a tradition of female performers long popular in the Byzantine world.
Artwork Details
- Title: Fragment of a Wall Hanging with a Musician Playing the Oud
- Date: 8th–10th century
- Geography: Made in Egypt
- Medium: Tapestry weave in polychrome wool and undyed linen
- Dimensions: 12 5/8 x 12 in. (32 x 30.5 cm)
- Classification: Textiles
- Credit Line: Benaki Museum, Athens (8496)
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters