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Frieze of Animals in Plant Scrolls

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

By the time this frieze of animals was carved in the fourth century C.E., most Egyptians were Christians and had adopted a biblical view of animals as subordinate to humans. Though animals continued to play an important role in decoration and symbolism, there was no place for animals with souls in Christian thinking.
CULTURE Coptic
MEDIUM Limestone, pigment
  • Possible Place Made: Herakleopolis Magna, Egypt
  • DATES 4th century C.E.
    PERIOD Roman and Byzantine Periods
    DIMENSIONS 14 3/8 x 50 3/16 x 4 5/8 in., 131 lb. (36.5 x 127.5 x 11.7 cm, 59.42kg)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 41.1266
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Coptic. Frieze of Animals in Plant Scrolls, 4th century C.E. Limestone, pigment, 14 3/8 x 50 3/16 x 4 5/8 in., 131 lb. (36.5 x 127.5 x 11.7 cm, 59.42kg). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 41.1266. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 41.1266_SL1.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 41.1266_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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