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Tunic with Dionysian Ornament

probably 5th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 302
Tunics were typically made of undyed linen with decorative patterns worked in colored wool threads. The medallions and ornamented bands, called clavi, were decorated with images from nature, the classical world, or Christian themes. Here Dionysos, the Greek god of wine, is depicted in the underwater realm of fishtailed Nereus and his daughters.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Tunic with Dionysian Ornament
  • Date: probably 5th century
  • Geography: Said to be from Egypt, Akhmim (former Panopolis)
  • Medium: Undyed linen with tapestry woven wool decorations
  • Dimensions: H. 68 3/4 in. (174.6 cm)
    W. 53 in. (135 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles
  • Credit Line: Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.9.9
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Tunic with Dionysian Ornament, Linen, wool; plain weave, tapestry weave
Tunic with Dionysian Ornament
probably 5th century
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