Nereid
Plaque
4th century to 5th century (made)
4th century to 5th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This plaque or panel is of Egyptian origin dating from the3rd or 4th century (Coptic / late Antique) and is intended for applying to a casket.
It represents a Nereid. In Greek mythology, the Nereids are the 50 sea nymphs, daughters of Nereus and Doris.
Similar carvings, many of which follow the more or less convex curve of the bone, have been found in great quantities, chiefly in the district of Alexandria. The figure subjects are usually taken from mythology and are similar to those on textiles, but occasionally biblical scenes occur. The carvings were probably used in the decoration of wooden caskets.
Coptic refers to the Copts, which are Christian Egyptians with ancient origins dating back to the first century.
It represents a Nereid. In Greek mythology, the Nereids are the 50 sea nymphs, daughters of Nereus and Doris.
Similar carvings, many of which follow the more or less convex curve of the bone, have been found in great quantities, chiefly in the district of Alexandria. The figure subjects are usually taken from mythology and are similar to those on textiles, but occasionally biblical scenes occur. The carvings were probably used in the decoration of wooden caskets.
Coptic refers to the Copts, which are Christian Egyptians with ancient origins dating back to the first century.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Nereid (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Carved bone, in low relief |
| Brief description | Plaque, carved bone, Nereid, Egypt, Coptic, 3rd or 4th century |
| Physical description | Rectangular and of curved section. On the left is a nude figure of the nereid looking before her, with her right elbow supported on a rock covered by skin (?); a drapery covering her left leg, passes below the body and behind the head, its end held by the outstretched left hand. The left upper corner and all the right half of the plaque are broken away, including the nereid's legs from the knees, and a second figure. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Object history | Intended for applying to a casket. Acquired in Paris. |
| Historical context | Similar carvings, many of which follow the more or less convex curve of the bone, have been found in great quantities, chiefly in the district of Alexandria. The figure subjects are usually taken from mythology and are similar to those on textiles, but occasionally biblical scenes occur. The carvings were probably used in the decoration of wooden caskets. |
| Production | Coptic |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This plaque or panel is of Egyptian origin dating from the3rd or 4th century (Coptic / late Antique) and is intended for applying to a casket. It represents a Nereid. In Greek mythology, the Nereids are the 50 sea nymphs, daughters of Nereus and Doris. Similar carvings, many of which follow the more or less convex curve of the bone, have been found in great quantities, chiefly in the district of Alexandria. The figure subjects are usually taken from mythology and are similar to those on textiles, but occasionally biblical scenes occur. The carvings were probably used in the decoration of wooden caskets. Coptic refers to the Copts, which are Christian Egyptians with ancient origins dating back to the first century. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 825-1905 |
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| Record created | December 12, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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