Cupid
Plaque
3rd century to 4th century (made)
3rd century to 4th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This bone plaque is carved in relief and shows a Corinthian capital with a cupid and a bird. It is Coptic Egyptian from the 3rd or 4th century, which is the late Antique and was intended for applying to a casket.
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.
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.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Titles |
|
| Materials and techniques | Carved bone, in low relief |
| Brief description | Plaque, carved bone, Cupid, Egypt, Coptic, 3rd or 4th century |
| Physical description | Rectangular and flat. Carved with cupid and a bird in a vine scroll. Above is a capital carved with acanthus. |
| Dimensions |
|
| 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 |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This bone plaque is carved in relief and shows a Corinthian capital with a cupid and a bird. It is Coptic Egyptian from the 3rd or 4th century, which is the late Antique and was intended for applying to a casket. 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. |
| Bibliographic references |
|
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 830-1905 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | December 12, 2008 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
