Shrouds were an important element of funeral rites in the ancient world. In ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Byzantium, they were often decorated with scenes from mythology, images of deities, or symbols associated with the afterlife. Many of these shrouds demonstrate a high level of artistic craftsmanship and symbolism.
The Shroud of a Woman in a Fringed Tunic is an artifact found in the city of Antinopolis, now Sheikh Ibad, and is currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum.
The painting depicts a woman in an exquisite outfit of a white tunic with narrow stripes and fringes. The mantle draped over her arms adds grandeur and serenity to the image. The jewelry demonstrates high status and wealth: earrings, three necklaces, six twisted gold bracelets, and three rings. Red socks and black sandals are visible on the feet.
On both sides of the woman are depicted Egyptian deities, which symbolize the protection and favor of the afterlife.
An interesting element of the image is the light gray rectangle behind the woman, which can be interpreted as a doorway. This motif goes back to the tradition of creating "false" doors in Egyptian tombs during the time of the pharaohs, through which, as the ancient Egyptians believed, the souls of the dead could communicate with the living. Such architectural elements served as a kind of portal to the afterlife.
The technique of creating the image is made using tempera on linen. Paints based on natural pigments mixed with an organic binder. Thanks to their use, even after centuries, the image has retained its richness and clarity.
This artifact demonstrates the skill of the artists of that time, reflects the complex religious and cultural beliefs of Roman Egypt.
Source:
metmuseum.org
historyandarchaeologyonline.com
