Ethiopia, Central and Northern Highlands, Amhara or Tigrinya peoples, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A striking religious icon delineated in rich tempera on canvas set in a hand-carved wood frame, depicting the Virgin and Child enthroned surrounded by three attendants. The perforations on each side indicate that it was most likely part of a triptych. During this period, Ethiopian artists were increasingly exposed to forms of expression from Europe, and diptychs and triptychs like this example became popular among the nobility. The paintings present a wide range of jewel-tone colors and a wonderful command of line. Somewhat similar to Byzantine icons in that the compositions boldly renounce perspective and press the figures close to the picture plane, the paintings also display an embrace of figural frontality. A wonderful example. Size: 14.625" L x 11.125" W (37.1 cm x 28.3 cm)

Provenance: Ex-private Ventura County, CA collection.

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#121173

Some losses to canvas wrapped over peripheries of frame and areas of wood frame as shown. Surface presents signs of age wear and a 2" fissure on lower section of Mary's robe. One old wooden peg joining upper edge of frame to its backing remains, other is missing; lower edge joined with old iron pegs.