Itinerarium Itinerarium of Holy Sites, Cotton: double cloth weave, 19th century
Object Name:
Itinerarium
Title:
Itinerarium of Holy Sites
Place Made:
Ottoman Palestine
Date:
19th century
Medium:
Cotton: double cloth weave
Dimensions:
59 × 59 in. (149.9 × 149.9 cm)
Credit Line:
Gift of Dr. Harry G. Friedman
Accession Number:
F 705a

Not On View

Two revered sites are depicted, each repeated once on the opposite side of the cloth, each accompanied by a titulus. They are the Tomb of Rachel our Matriarch and the "Ma'arat haMakhpelah" or Tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs in Hebron. Although Rachel's tomb is depicted similarly to other textiles of this genre, the "Ma'arat haMakhpelah" is depicted as a rotunda flanked by towers and accessible through a broad flight of steps. All three components of the building bear the crescent finial characteristic of Ottoman buildings. Four small round buildings surround the tomb building, perhaps accommodations for pilgrims. This complex is flanked by figures of Aaron holding a censer. The corners are filled with crescents inscribed "If I forget thee O Jerusalem, let my right hand lose its cunning," above which is a Magen David inscribed "Zion" and "Magen David." Rachel's tomb is flanked by figures of Moses holding elongated tablets and a staff. Rays emerge from his head. The center is occupied by the Tablets of the Law inscribed with the Ten Commandments; above is a crown labeled Crown of Royalty flanked by deer. A starburst of diamond shapes forming triangular rays frames the Tablets.

Information may change as a result of ongoing research.

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