Textile with Erotes figures in a
boat
From Akhmim, Egypt
4th
century AD
Fragment of linen, decorated in multi-coloured
wool loops
The design on this textile, perhaps a wall
hanging or rug, is characteristic of late Hellenistic work. The
subject is drawn from Greek rather than Egyptian mythology. It
shows two
Erotes,
one of which steers the boat while the other seems to be holding a
fishing net, below which a fish can be seen in the
water.
The use of colour to
show modelling, and the naturalistic tones employed, are
characteristic of this period. The whole scene is surrounded by a
border of interwoven plants, known as guilloche, which became a
very popular motif in Roman and Coptic decoration. The masks in the
roundels at the corners show the influence of Hellenistic art
outside Egypt.
Hellenistic
and Egyptian elements were combined in sculpture, temple reliefs
and other objects. Egyptian deities were often shown with the
accoutrements of Greek deities whose characteristics were similar
to their Egyptian counterparts. Artistic influence worked both ways
and some Egyptian deities were incorporated into Greek religion in
mystery cults, which were popular throughout the Mediterranean
world. Perhaps the best example is that of the cult of
Isis.
T.G.H. James, An introduction to ancient Egy (London, 1979)
F.D. Friedman, Beyond the Pharaohs (Rhode Island, 1989)