wood, tempera on gesso ground, main panel: Mother Mary and child protected by the two archangels Michael and Gabriel (both with sword), below: twelve saints, to the left: Anastasis (the risen Christ reaching his hands out to Adam and Eve), Saint Georg killing the dragon and thus saving virgin Bruktawits life, to the right: crucifixion of Christ and further biblical scenes, miniature characters inbetween, slightly dam., narrow raised rim on outer length sides of side panels missing, paint chipped off, black passpartout (felt) and wooden frame (m: 74,5 cm x 55 cm);
Ethiopian painting has its roots in early Christian, especially Byzantine art, but developed an independent painting style whose characteristics have been preserved for centuries right up to the modern age. Stylistic features are strong stylization and lack of expression of the figures, unrealistic proportions and lack of perspective of a painting that lives only from its? contours. The panel, book and also wall paintings served the mediation of Christian beliefs. The biblical themes were also illustrated by their pictorial representation making them also accessible to the illiterate section of the population. While the great wall paintings could only be admired in the churches, small panel paintings and book-paintings from priests could be easily transported on journeys.
H: 40,5 cm; B: 20 cm (middle part) / 9,5-10 cm (side panels), H: 15,9 inch; B: 7,9 inch
Provenance:
Collection Sachau-Zeies, Wittlich, Germany
Exhibited:
Houston, Texas, Museum of Natural Science: Lucy' s Legacy - The hidden Treasures of Ethiopia, 2007/8, Inv. 140

See description