Fragment of a Plaque with a Standing Woman

Unknown

4th century · Bone · Medieval Art

Colored wax originally filled the zones between the areas carved in relief. The relief would then clearly have shown a richly dressed woman holding a tray on which may rest a pair of gold bracelets. The figure may be a serving girl or Chresis, who personified the good use of acquired wealth. Bone plaques were used to decorate couches, chests, and other furniture. Some were carved in relief; others were carved in intaglio with the incised designs often filled with colored wax. Both styles could be used on the same object. The designs frequently represent Dionysiac themes.

Artist

Unknown

Date

4th century

Medium

Bone

Culture

Coptic

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of J. William Middendorf II, 1980