Collection
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Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Arch in Five Segments

Coptic

1 of 51

Object Label

This slender arch, carved in five segments, is designed as a repeating pattern of paired birds, possibly doves, standing back-to-back on either side of a flowering plant, with their heads turned toward each other. A slightly larger version of the plant separates each pair of birds from the next. Since it could not have supported architectural weight, this arch may have lined a larger, sturdier arch, or it may have decorated a flat wall.

Caption

Coptic. Arch in Five Segments, ca. 6th century C.E.. Limestone, 65 15/16 x 81 1/8 in. (167.5 x 206 cm) 45.131a: 6 5/16 x 42 1/2 x 4 3/4 in. (16 x 108 x 12 cm) 45.131b: 6 1/2 x 30 5/16 x 4 3/4 in. (16.5 x 77 x 12 cm) 45.131c: 6 11/16 x 33 7/8 x 4 5/8 in. (17 x 86 x 11.8 cm) 45.131d: 6 13/16 x 27 9/16 x 4 1/2 in. (17.3 x 70 x 11.5 cm) 45.131e: 6 1/2 x 33 1/4 x 4 3/4 in. (16.5 x 84.5 x 12 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 45.131a-e. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Culture

Coptic

Title

Arch in Five Segments

Date

ca. 6th century C.E.

Period

Late Antique Period

Geography

Reportedly from: Ahnas (Ehnasya), Egypt

Medium

Limestone

Classification

Tiles

Dimensions

65 15/16 x 81 1/8 in. (167.5 x 206 cm) 45.131a: 6 5/16 x 42 1/2 x 4 3/4 in. (16 x 108 x 12 cm) 45.131b: 6 1/2 x 30 5/16 x 4 3/4 in. (16.5 x 77 x 12 cm) 45.131c: 6 11/16 x 33 7/8 x 4 5/8 in. (17 x 86 x 11.8 cm) 45.131d: 6 13/16 x 27 9/16 x 4 1/2 in. (17.3 x 70 x 11.5 cm) 45.131e: 6 1/2 x 33 1/4 x 4 3/4 in. (16.5 x 84.5 x 12 cm)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

45.131a-e

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Artists and makers

Coptic

465 works in the collection