Tapestry with a Shepherd Milking a Goat
- Culture
- Byzantine, 394–1204, 1261–1453
- Culture
- Coptic, c.200–c.700 CE
- Date
- late 5th–6th century
- Material
- Linen and wool in tapestry weave
- possibly associated with
- Akhmim, Sawhaj governorate, Egypt, Africa
- Classification
- Coverings & hangings, textiles
- Collection
- Ancient Art
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 13 x 13 3/4 in. (33 x 34.9 cm)
- Credit Line
- Museum Purchase
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 48:1939
NOTES
This Coptic fragment portrays a goatherd collecting milk under a grape-laden vine. The borders are filled with vines, heart-shaped pots, and pairs of facing birds with red beaks. Early Egyptian Christians, known as Copts, were descendants of the ancient Egyptians. The Copts did not mummify but rather buried their dead in everyday clothes appropriate to their status. This fragment embellished a garment which was buried and preserved by the hot, dry desert sand.
This fragment likely came from Akmin, a city on the banks of the Nile River and a major center of linen manufacture. Akmin’s major burial ground, discovered in the 19th century, included many textiles.
Provenance
Said to be from Akhmim, Egypt [1]
by 1932 -
Jacques Matossian, Alexandria, Egypt [2]
- 1939
Paul Mallon, Paris, France
1939 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Paul Mallon [3]
Notes:
[1] According to Thomas Whittemore's 1932 article, the object was "...in the possession of Mr. Jacquees Matossian in Alexandria...said to have been found at Panopolis (Akhmim) in Upper Egypt." Whittemore does not indicate the source of this provenance [Thomas Whittemore. "Two Coptic Clothes." "Studies Presented to F. LL. Griffith." London: Egypt Exploration Society and Oxford University Press, 1932, p.384].
[2] See note [1].
[3] Document dated May 31, 1939, includes object description and price [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, May 18, 1939.
by 1932 -
Jacques Matossian, Alexandria, Egypt [2]
- 1939
Paul Mallon, Paris, France
1939 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Paul Mallon [3]
Notes:
[1] According to Thomas Whittemore's 1932 article, the object was "...in the possession of Mr. Jacquees Matossian in Alexandria...said to have been found at Panopolis (Akhmim) in Upper Egypt." Whittemore does not indicate the source of this provenance [Thomas Whittemore. "Two Coptic Clothes." "Studies Presented to F. LL. Griffith." London: Egypt Exploration Society and Oxford University Press, 1932, p.384].
[2] See note [1].
[3] Document dated May 31, 1939, includes object description and price [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, May 18, 1939.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.