Fragment of a Woman

Fragment of a Woman

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Darting her gaze left, this nimbed woman likely formed part of a colonnade of mythological figures connected to Dionysus. The fine shading and contours of her face are exquisitely modeled in brown, black, and beige threads. The woven brown and black threads depict elegant waves in her dark hair. On her left ear, a gold and pearl earring appears to sway with movement. Although we do not know exactly where it was found, this textile was likely excavated from a late-antique burial in Egypt during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. Beginning in the third century AD, elegant textiles like these were wrapped around deceased bodies and were preserved by Egypt’s dry climate.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.