Section of an ArchwayCoptic Period, 4th - 6th century CE

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Title: Section of an Archway
Culture: Coptic
Place Made: Egypt
Date Made: Coptic Period, 4th - 6th century CE
Medium: Carved limestone
Dimensions: 8 3/4 x 17 1/8 x 5 7/8 in. (22.23 x 43.5 x 14.92 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Justin Dart
Accession Number: M.73.92
Classification: Architecture
Collecting Area: Egyptian Art
Curatorial Notes: The early fourth century saw the emergence of Christianity as a significant and thriving religion in Late Antique Egypt. Still in existence today, the Copts were one of these early Christian communities and lived alongside local populations that continued to follow Hellenistic rituals. Though the impact of the distinct religious practices can be seen in motifs such as crosses and Greco-Roman gods found on architecture and other media, more neutral designs that appear in either a pagan or Christian context were also prevalent.

Such is the case with this single carved limestone architectural element, which was once painted and formed part of an archway. The scrolling vine encapsulating a hare and fruiting leaves, possibly grape, was a prominent motif throughout the Mediterranean (see M.71.73.30) that initially spread in Hellenic times. The hare was also extremely popular and can be seen alongside Christian motifs (see M.2002.1.754) but possibly held a broader connotation for good luck. Both motifs remained fashionable well into the Islamic period (M.73.5.272 and M.65.29).

2024

Not on view

No image

Title: Section of an Archway
Culture: Coptic
Place Made: Egypt
Date Made: Coptic Period, 4th - 6th century CE
Medium: Carved limestone
Dimensions: 8 3/4 x 17 1/8 x 5 7/8 in. (22.23 x 43.5 x 14.92 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Justin Dart
Accession Number: M.73.92
Classification: Architecture
Collecting Area: Egyptian Art
Curatorial Notes: The early fourth century saw the emergence of Christianity as a significant and thriving religion in Late Antique Egypt. Still in existence today, the Copts were one of these early Christian communities and lived alongside local populations that continued to follow Hellenistic rituals. Though the impact of the distinct religious practices can be seen in motifs such as crosses and Greco-Roman gods found on architecture and other media, more neutral designs that appear in either a pagan or Christian context were also prevalent.

Such is the case with this single carved limestone architectural element, which was once painted and formed part of an archway. The scrolling vine encapsulating a hare and fruiting leaves, possibly grape, was a prominent motif throughout the Mediterranean (see M.71.73.30) that initially spread in Hellenic times. The hare was also extremely popular and can be seen alongside Christian motifs (see M.2002.1.754) but possibly held a broader connotation for good luck. Both motifs remained fashionable well into the Islamic period (M.73.5.272 and M.65.29).

2024