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Liturgical curtain
Embroidery: The Crucifixion
Liturgical curtain
Armenian
late 18th to early 19th century
Medium/Technique
Cotton plain weave with silk embroidery
Dimensions
68 x 140 cm (26 3/4 x 55 1/8 in.); Legacy dimension: 1.40 x .68
Credit Line
Gift of Eben Wright
Accession Number01.5351
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsTextiles
DescriptionHeavy brown cotton cloth embroidered with various shades of light blue, green, light neutral brown, yellow and cream silk in satin, chain, and couched stitches. A symbolic representation of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. The cross rises from a mountain of rocks above a skull representing Adam. The figures of the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist stand on either side. Six small angels, one holding a chalice to catch the blood of Christ. The sun and moon appear above. Figure of ressurected Christ making the sign of hte benediction is embroidered at the top of the cross. On the transverse beams and on the two panels above, is an inscription in Armenian characters, reading, "Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews"; "The Crucifixion of Christ"; "Lord God Jesus Christ". May have been used as an altar curtain.
Provenance1901, gift of Eben Wright (b. 1867 - d. 1908), Boston to the MFA. (Accession Date: February 4, 1901)