Silenus
Plaque
3rd century to 4th century (made)
3rd century to 4th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This plaque or panel representing Silenus is of Egyptian origin from the 3rd or 4th century (Coptic - late Antique) and was intended for applying to a casket.
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.
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 | Silenus (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Carved bone in low relief |
| Brief description | Plaque, bone, of male figure, Egypt, Coptic, 3rd or 4th century |
| Physical description | Rectangular and of curved section. A bald-headed, bearded old man of ample proportions stands to the front; he is nude except for a drapery which passes across the lower part of the body and hangs in bold folds from the left shoulder; above his shoulder is the wine-skin, the nozzle of which he presses, holding the bowl pressed to his beast. The left upper corner of the plaque is broken away, also much of the lower part including the greater part of the legs. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Object history | 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 |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This plaque or panel representing Silenus is of Egyptian origin from the 3rd or 4th century (Coptic - late Antique) and was intended for applying to a casket. 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 | 823-1905 |
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| Record created | December 11, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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