Altar Cloth or Podea

Unknown

late 14th century · Silk, embroidery · Medieval Art

The double-headed eagle became the primary symbol of the state during the late Byzantine centuries and was also adopted for liturgical use. This huge eagle was probably used as an altar cloth or as a podea, a skirt hung beneath an icon. The inscription, which connects the owner with distinguished imperial dynasties, exaggerated the claims of a pretender to the patriarchal throne.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 14th century

Medium

Silk, embroidery

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1912