This fragment shows part of the face of a person with mid-length brown hair. The eyes and mouth are outlined in black, the lips and eyelids are in orangey- pink. Shades of pink and red give volume to the cheeks and the face. Orange and purple threads create an effect of depth in the brown hair with auburn highlights.
Origin:
Egypt
Date:
5th - 6th century
Material:
Wool
Dimensions:
Warp: 10 cm, weft: 13 cm
Comparisons:
MAK, Vienna, inv. T 662-1883: portrait.
Provenance:
Collection Coptic textiles Fill-Trevisiol: donation
Location:
Musée royal de Mariemont
Woollen tapestry
I. No ground weave
II. Tapestry areas
Warp:
natural-coloured wool S: 7-8/cm
Weft:
brown, black, pink, orange, purple and natural-coloured wool S: 40/cm
Weave:
weft-faced tabby
Special techniques:
slit tapestry, vertical weft brocading, dovetailing; false hatching: paired wefts: 1 red and 1 purple yarn/pick