Altar Cloth or Podea

Authors

Unknown

Files

Publisher

The Metropolian Museum of Art

Publication Date

1315-1487 AD

City

Greece or Constantiople

Keywords

Late 14th century, Alter Cloth, Embroidery, Podea, Two headed eagle, Metallic, Silk

Comments

The double-headed eagle became the primary symbol of the state during the late Byzantine centuries and was also adopted for liturgical use. This huge eage was probaby used as an altar cloth or as a podea, a shirt hung beneath an icon. The inscription, which connects the owner with distingished imperial dynasties, exaggerated the claims of a pretender to the patriarchal throne.

Recommended Citation

Unknown, "Altar Cloth or Podea" (1315). BYZANTIUM: Trade, Treasure, Tradition. 46.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/arth3620_2021/46