Roundel with Amazons and a Cross

Unknown

7th–9th century (?) · Weft-faced compound twill (samit) in green, beige, and brownish silk · Medieval Art

This silk fragment features two bare-breasted Amazons, or female warriors, who aim arrows at the rampant lions beneath their horses’ hooves. It is possible to trace the long popularity of this ancient iconography thanks to the large surviving numbers of similar silks in various colors and quality of weave. This example features a tiny cross at the top and bottom of the circular frame filled with heart shapes and vegetal patterns.

Artist

Unknown

Date

7th–9th century (?)

Medium

Weft-faced compound twill (samit) in green, beige, and brownish silk

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Hayford Peirce, 1987