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Among the rarest objects in the museum collection, is this tapestry glorifying the Virgin Mary as the Theotokos (Mother of God).
In a composition borrowed from imperial Byzantine art, Mary is shown seated on a jeweled throne with the Christ child and flanked by the archangels Michael and Gabriel. Both angels hold staffs, but Gabriel also holds an orb, a symbol of eternity. Above, a bearded figure of Christ appears in a radiant light supported by angels in the starry heavens. Portraits of the apostles and evangelists, all identified in Greek, appear in the surrounding wreath of fruits and flowers symbolizing eternal life. This portable sacred textile was presumably displayed at the front of a place of worship, either in a church or in a private house.
Icon of the Virgin
Egypt, Byzantine period, 6th century AD
Slit- and dovetailed-tapestry weave; wool
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1967.144
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