Curtain

This curtain is part of a pair that were probably hung from the top of a door. The body of each curtain is simply ornamented with birds and vegetal motifs in floral lozenges to facilitate gathering, while the top parts, on view whether or not the curtains were gathered, are more elaborate. Under a
decorative band containing an inhabited vine scroll are erotes holding floral garlands that stand between baskets of produce. Below them, two winged nikai (Victory figures) hold a wreath containing a jewelled cross with the remains of a Greek inscription in the surviving quadrants formed
by the cross. Both erotes and nikai figures come from
the Classical repertoire of representation, the latter often depicted holding busts of mythological figures or victorious emperors. Later such figures were ‘re-employed’ to present the bust of Christ or other Christian symbols. This pair of curtains, through its decoration, represents a good example of continuity and reuse of Classical themes throughout Late Antiquity – here in a demonstrably Christian context. The curtains themselves were reused when they were put to a new purpose, serving as a burial shroud, which is why they have survived nearly intact.