Alexander the Great on Horseback, 700s. Egypt, Umayyad period (661–750) or Abbasid period (750–1258). Dyed wool, undyed linen; plain weave and slit-tapestry weave; overall: x cm (12 x 9 3/4 in.); mounted: x cm (16 1/2 x 14 1/2 in.). Featuring imperial Byzantine themes, this rare roundel originally decorated a tunic. Genii (guardian spirits) crown the mounted horseman in military dress while an animal runs below. The inscription at the top identifies the horseman as Alexander the Great (356-323 bc), a popular cult figure in Egypt for centuries. The pattern’s mirror-image sy
Alexander the Great on Horseback, 700s. Egypt, Umayyad period (661–750) or Abbasid period (750–1258). Dyed wool, undyed linen; plain weave and slit-tapestry weave; overall: x cm (12 x 9 3/4 in.); mounted: x cm (16 1/2 x 14 1/2 in.). Featuring imperial Byzantine themes, this rare roundel originally decorated a tunic. Genii (guardian spirits) crown the mounted horseman in military dress while an animal runs below. The inscription at the top identifies the horseman as Alexander the Great (356-323 bc), a popular cult figure in Egypt for centuries. The pattern’s mirror-image symmetry indicates the influence of costlier Byzantine silks.
Size: 2802px × 3400px
Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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