\paperw4260 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 Coptic art, which flourished in the Christian Egypt of late antiquity, found its finest expression in the production of textiles. Nume
rous pieces of cloth have been found in the refuse heaps of cities and the cemeteries of the Fayyum. \par
Fabrics embroidered in vivid colors were used as shrouds or as hangings in churches.\par
This fragment was part of a linen and wool tapestry deco
rated with figured and plant motifs arranged in several rows, in panels bounded by spiral columns.\par
The panel on the right illustrates the Biblical story of Jonah. The prophet is depicted emerging from the mouth of the ôgreat fish,ö with his arms spr
ead in an attitude of prayer.\par
He finds shelter under the branches of a tree laden with yellow fruit, represented here as if it were surrounding him: it is probably the gourd plant mentioned in the Book of Jonah.
