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Lampas with lion strangler, from a dalmatic of Saint Bernard Calvo, 1200-1243. Creator: Unknown
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Lampas with lion strangler, from a dalmatic of Saint Bernard Calvo, 1200-1243. Creator: Unknown
Lampas with lion strangler, from a dalmatic of Saint Bernard Calvo, 1200-1243. This renowned Lion Strangler silk symbolized Muslim imperial power in Islamic Spain. In a simplified style, a man strangles lions with his mighty arms in roundels bordered by winged animals. Gold thread shimmers on their heads and hands. The Arabic word for power repeats in the inscription band, reinforcing the lion strangler image. This silk came from vestments in the tomb of Saint Bernard Calvo, Bishop of Vich (1233-43), found in the late 1800s. It is one of dozens of sumptuous Islamic silks that transcended religious boundaries and were preserved in the elaborate sarcophagi of Christian rulers and bishops, reflecting the strong pan-Iberian aesthetic
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Media ID 19622423
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Lampas Silk And Gold Thread Almeria
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This print showcases the exquisite "Lampas with lion strangler" silk, which originated from a dalmatic worn by Saint Bernard Calvo between 1200 and 1243. The unknown creator of this remarkable piece ingeniously depicted the symbol of Muslim imperial power in Islamic Spain through a simplified style. In roundels bordered by winged animals, a man is seen overpowering lions with his mighty arms, their heads and hands adorned with shimmering gold thread. The inscription band on this silk repeats the Arabic word for power, further emphasizing the dominant image of the lion strangler. Discovered in the late 1800s within the tomb of Bishop Saint Bernard Calvo in Vich, this textile is one among many opulent Islamic silks that transcended religious boundaries during that era. These precious fabrics were carefully preserved within elaborate sarcophagi belonging to Christian rulers and bishops throughout Iberia. Representing a strong pan-Iberian aesthetic, this particular artifact hails from Almeria during the Almoravid period and features a plain weave variant known as lampas or taqueté. Its intricate design combines silk and gold thread to create an alluring visual spectacle. Displayed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, this Heritage Art photograph captures every intricate detail of this historic masterpiece. It serves as a testament to both artistic excellence and cultural exchange between different civilizations throughout history.
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