Four Large Figures from a Coptic Tapestry, Late 4th/Early 5th Century A.D.

originally part of a frieze in a large plain linen hanging, in tapestry weave with warp of natural linen and weft of various shades of blue, pink, red, green, and yellow, comprising a dancer holding a basket of fruits and wearing a skirt and tunic, a shepherd (?) leaning on a staff and wearing a long cloak falling down his back and draped over his left shoulder, and two dancers each wearing a skirt and tunic passing over the left shoulder, one holding a sickle (?), the other a hoe(?).

Dr. Ulrich Müller, Zurich, acquired between 1968-1978
Sotheby's, New York, June 6th, 2006, no. 89, illus.

Art of the Ancient World, Royal Athena Galleries, vol. XVIII, 2007, no. 242

Fragmentary as shown, some losses, splits, and open warps, some fading and discoloration particularly to lighter colored threads, possible areas of restoration, not examined out of frames.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For related figures see E.D. Maguire, The Rich Life and the Dance, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, 1999, B1 and cover illus. (figure holding a sickle), Sotheby's, New York, December 7th, 2005, no. 24 (figure carrying a duck), K. Weitzmann, ed., Age of Spirituality, New York, 1979, no. 235 (figure carrying a ram). For a larger fragment in the British Museum showing two hunters separated by vertical ornamental stripes see K. Wessel, L'art copte, Brussels, 1964, fig. 118, no. 104 (figure holding a branch or garland); the author notes that shepherds, "hunters, dancers, and similar figures from the linen curtains belong to the standard repertory of Roman and early Byzantine domestic art. In addition to a purely decorative role, their iconographic association with Dionysiac themes and seasonal and pastoral activities made them also broad allegories of life's blessings and renewal."