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The term "Copt" originally referred to the native
Egyptians, as opposed to the Greek or Arab
invaders. While later "Copt" became a religious
designation referring to Christian Egyptians, the
Coptic period is defined as the first millennium
of the Christian era, when Christianity thrived in
Egypt. Ideally situation at the join of three
continents, Coptic artists drew inspiration from
the many influences: the forms and motifs of
ancient Egypt, classical and Hellenistic Greece
and Rome, Near Eastern art; and contemporary
life in the Nile Valley. Although Coptic art is
generally associated with Christianity, many of
its motifs are distinctly non-Christian, such as
Bacchanal scenes, pastoral compositions inspired
by classical poetry, and groups of nereids and
maenads frequently represented on textiles. The
style of Coptic art evolved from the late antique
art of Egypt, retaining Greek and Roman
influences. Economic conditions doubtless
played a major role in the emergence of a freer,
more popular style of art; the lack of an
extensive patronage system is evident in many
aspects of Coptic art, the emphasis on more
personal, less monumental art, the avoidance of
costly materials, and the dearth of skilled
craftsmen with extensive training among them.
The stylistic tendencies of Coptic art move away
from a naturalistic rendering of the human form
and features. Outline and detail are simplified,
and the number of motifs is limited.
This limestone panel depicts a seated man
framed by a thick rectangular border. Likely, this
panel would have fit into a niche inside of an
early church. The man sits with one leg up and
one leg laying flat. He holds two objects in his
hand: on the right, it appears to be a bird of
some sorts, on the left, he seems to hold a
bundle of grapes or a sack that features such a
texture. On a religious level, the bird might
symbolize the holy spirit while the grapes could
stand for wine, thus indirectly suggesting the
blood of Christ. The man wears a tunic and a
necklace featuring a large central circular
pendant. His facial features are diminutive, save
for his large almond-shaped eyes. The
stylization of the carving reveals the influence of
Greek and Roman art on the Copts. However, it
is not the refined works of the Classical and
Hellenistic era this work seems to emulate, but
the rigid forms of the Archaic era instead.
- (X.0372)
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