EGYPT, 5TH/6TH CENTURY | Coptic Warrior

composite panel, comprised of sections of pile woven elements joined and later mounted against a light almond coloured textile

Kelekian Collection
Christie's, London, 15 May 2002, lot 221

With frame textile visible: 74 by 44cm., 29 by 17¼in. Composite panel, with joined sections. The top left and right feet, sandals and part of the robe, are separate sections, with the linen ground overlapping now in areas. There is a section inset in the right hand side of the abdomen of the standing warrior, and the shield like motif to the right of the figure, is another section, and the section with diagonal blue lines on the right side is also a separate section, strategically placed. Some discolouration, to lighter colours of loop pile, and to the linen ground, for example in top section. There are areas of linen ground lacking, as visible in the photograph.The wool loops (pile) are quite high in areas, and lacking in others, as visible in the photograph. Being a composite does not detract from the charm of this evocative panel. Professionally mounted and framed, and bearing label - Arnold Wiggins & Sons Limited, Picture 4 Bury Street, St James's, London SW1, Picture Frame Makers, Carvers and Gilders, by Appointment to H.M. Queen Elizabeth II Picture Frame Makers and by Appointment to H.M. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Picture Frame Makers
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Coptic indicates not only a period of Egyptian history that began in the 4th century, but also the cultural and artistic manifestations of a people at the important crossroads, representing ancient Egyptian roots and Hellenistic influences on the local culture. The designs of the textiles include Classical, mythological and figurative elements, including Amazons, centaurs, wrestlers and ranks of armed men. Textiles are considered one of the most distinguishing expressions of Coptic art. There are fragments from wall hangings, from homes or churches, vestments, cushions, draperies, table linens and carpets. This piece has vibrant colours, which is evident in other Coptic pieces, whether flatwoven or knotted pile technique, and reveals what could be achieved by the skilled Christian Egyptian dyers, especially to the greens, which was not achieved in Europe until well into the Middle Ages. For an equally evocative example, depicting a Coptic Warrior, which is a portion of a hanging, Egypt, 5th/6th century, 401-600AD, (The Art Institute of Chicago, Grace R. Smith Textile Endowment, 1982.1578), showing a standing male figure in full tunic, with similar facial single brow, and standing in architectural niche, with columns at the side, and arch, which with bands of colour, is like a rainbow. This cited example and the offered warrior, are unusual in being knotted pile, as wrestlers and warriors and other Coptic figural example are flatweave.