Annual Legacy of Egypt Lecture Explores Decorated Textiles

For release, March 23, 2009
For press information, contact Simone Notter Wilson (901) 678-4164

Patricia Podzorski, Curator of Egyptian Art at the U of M's Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology, will hold an illustrated lecture about the colorful and dynamic textile arts of Egypt during the Roman and Byzantine periods on Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m.in room 128 at the Fogelman College of Business. The lecture, "Flowers of an Antique Land:  Decorated Textiles of the 1st Millennium AD from Egypt," and the reception at 7 p.m. are free and open to the public.

Decorated textile fragment with tree motif. Gift of the C.H. Sibal Family Trust.

Textiles reflect not only the indigenous traditions of the Nile Valley, but also the interconnected, multicultural character of the ancient Mediterranean world. The lecture will survey the intriguing diversity of woven artifacts found preserved in Egypt. Themes vary from floral and geometric decorative elements to complex compositions reflecting Christian and Hebrew scripture and Greek and Roman mythology. The same themes were often presented in different styles, revealing artistic as well as regional and temporal influences. The technical virtuosity of some of these textiles rivals that of Roman and Byzantine paintings and mosaics, creating a seldom-traveled avenue for exploring post-pharaonic Egypt.This material can also serve as a rich source of inspiration for those who appreciate the textile arts today.

For more information, call 901-678-2555 or visit http://academic.memphis.edu/egypt/textiles09.html.