Hanging with Polychrome Columns
Unknown Artist
5th–6th century
Medium
Linen, wool; tapestry weave
Dimensions
Overall: H. 90 1/2 in. (229.9 cm) W. 61 1/2 in. (156.2 cm) Mount: H. 93 in. (236.2 cm) W. 63 in. (160 cm) D. 3 in. (7.6 cm) Wt. 220 lb. (99.8 kg)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Arthur S. Vernay Inc., 1922
Accession Number
22.124.3
Tags
Art Historical Context
This stunning *Hanging with Polychrome Columns*, by an unknown artist in the 5–6th centuries, the masterful textile traditions of the Late Antique period. Woven in tapestry technique using linen and wool, measures an impressive 90½ by 61½ inches, making it a monumental wall hanging suitable for adorning churches, homes, or public spaces. The vibrant polychrome design features stylized columns in bold colors, rendered with precision that highlights the weavers' skill in creating durable, pictorial fabrics through weft-faced weaving—where colored wool threads interlock to form intricate patterns...