An Investigation on a Coptic Embroidered Panel from the 13th Century “Crucifixion with the Twelve Apostles” (Benaki Museum, Athens)

Lila De Chaves

doi:10.3390/heritage4040239

Abstract

The “Crucifixion with the twelve Apostles”, a unique Coptic embroidered panel, was on display at the Benaki Museum (Athens, Greece). The representation of the “Crucifixion” with Christ in the center and six Apostles on either side, standing next to each other in frontal poses, is quite a rare one. This rare iconographic image of the twelve Apostles could be linked to the Ascension or the Pentecost. This unique representation of the Crucifixion with the twelve Apostles, which also involves the Ascension, is a one-of-a-kind compositional formula representing Christ’s Death as a triumph over Death, emphasizing, along with the other factors, its non-Chalcedonic origin. Moreover, the interpretation of an inscription, written in at least three languages embroidered in black silk thread, is a matter which confuses the issue even more. In the present study, we will attempt a comprehensive investigation, a detailed description, and interpretation of this rare iconography, based on written and iconographic evidence traced in the history of art heritage objects.

Highlights

Introduction triumph overDeath, emphasizing, along with the other factors, its non-Chalcedonic origin
In the has present study, we will a comprehensive a detailed description, interpretation of this rare iconography, seum, Athens,investigation, until its refurbishment in 1989and (Figure basedThe on written and iconographic evidence traced in the history of art1), heritage objects
(283 cm × 48 cm) of late Coptic art, was purchased in May 1929 by Anthony Benaki, the Keywords: crucifixion; apostles; inscription; silk; embroidery; Greek; Coptic; monastery founder of the Museum, from Nahman, an antique dealer, for the price of 100 sterling pounds. It appears listed for the first time in the 1935 Catalogue of the Benaki Museum with the simple description “The Crucifixion with the Twelve Apostles”

Summary

November

(Figure a unique embroidered panel (283 cm × 48 cm) of late Coptic art, was purchased in May 1929 by Anthony Benaki, the Keywords: crucifixion; apostles; inscription; silk; embroidery; Greek; Coptic; monastery founder of the Museum, from Nahman, an antique dealer, for the price of 100 sterling pounds. It appears listed for the first time in the 1935 Catalogue of the Benaki Museum with the simple description “The Crucifixion with the Twelve Apostles” The description and dating initially was made by Otto Meinardus [1], who describes it as

Introduction an embroidery of “the

Technique of the Textile

The Technique of Embroidery

Stylistic Description and Discussion

Irecognized aagalgolitic one

Conclusions