Epitaphios with Christ in the Tomb

Material: Velvet (dark red), Gold and Silver thread embroidery, Metal thread, Tassels
Date range: 18th century
Origin: From the Dionysios Loverdos Collection

This image displays an Epitaphios (BXM 21381), a highly revered liturgical cloth used during Orthodox Christian Holy Week, typically representing the body of Christ after crucifixion and before resurrection. The piece is dated to the 18th century and comes from the Dionysios Loverdos Collection.

The cloth is made of a dark red velvet and is elaborately decorated with embroidery in gold, silver, and other pale threads .

• Central Figure: The full, dead body of Christ is embroidered in pale threads, lying on a cloth or shroud, symbolizing His state in the tomb. He is shown with a loincloth and a halo around his head.

• The Cross: Directly above and behind Christ is a large, dark-colored cross of simple design, standing upright, symbolizing the Crucifixion site (Golgotha).

• Angels of the Passion: Two small, winged figures, likely Cherubim or Angels, are symmetrically placed, one on either side of the cross, typically depicted as mourning or holding the instruments of Christ's Passion.

• Inscriptions: The Epitaphios is framed by a broad border featuring Greek inscriptions embroidered in large gold lettering, which are liturgical texts related to Christ's sacrifice, death, and resurrection.

• Outer Detail: The lower corners feature decorative red tassels . A small, intricate metal piece (possibly a button or attachment point) is visible on the lower left side of the border.

The style of embroidery is rich and detailed, characteristic of the post-Byzantine tradition of textile liturgical art.

Museum label reference: Epitaphios. 18th c. From Dionysios Loverdos Collection. BXM 21381

Original Text: Επιτάφιος. 18ος αι. Από τη Συλλογή Διονυσίου Λοβέρδου. BXM 21381

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