[gothic-l] Re: Ostrogothic Dress

[faltin2001]

--- In gothic-l at y..., Tim O'Neill <scatha at b...> wrote:
> On Wednesday, February 06, 2002 12:58 AM, faltin2001
[SMTP:dirk at s...] wrote:
> > Here is the URL to a page (in German) which shows on top a
picture of
> > one of the famous mosaics from San Apollinare, Ravenna. The text
> > draws attention to the fact that the three persons in the middle
of
> > the picture (i.e. the 3 holy kings) are dipicted in trousers,
with
> > cloaks and so called Phrygian caps. The text states that this is
> > probably typical Ostrogothic dress of the early 6th century, as
> > opposed to the other figures, who wear classical Roman dress.
>
> But the Magi were often depicted wearing phrygian caps, since they
> were supposedly from 'the East'.  So it's not surprising they are
> dressed differently to the other figures - they are usually depicted
> this way because they are 'foreginers'.  I can't think of any other
> evidence that these caps were worn by the Goths.


Hi Tim,

that was my first thought as well. If they are from the East they
should be depicted as foreigners, perhaps in Parthian dress. Note,
Romans always depicted Parthians  on coins wearing Prygian caps, thus
distinguishing them from Germans. In fact, the trousers, with the
decorations down the side on the mosaic do remind of Parthian
trousers, which are depicted in the same fashion on Roman coins.



>
> > Interestingly, Amalasuintha was also depicted wearing this
Phrygian
> > cap, which might indicate that the text is right and Goths wore
this
> > type of headdress.
>
> Where is she depicted in this way?


There is an ivory carving here in London in the Victoria and Albert
Museum, depicting a prortrait of Amalasuinta and Athalarich.
Amalasuintha wears a Phrygian cap on this, while Athalarich is bare-
headed. Otherwise Ostrogothic kings are depicted wearing the
Spangenhelm on coins.

cheers,
Dirk




>
> Tim O'Neill


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