Central Ethiopia
Eastern and Southern Africa
Triptych
INV-1856
Central Ethiopia
Eastern and Southern AfricaLate 17th century
Triptych
Central Ethiopia Eastern and Southern Africa
gondarArts of Africaethiopiaafrican Arttriptycharts of Africa
Date
Late 17th century
Medium
Tempera on linen, mounted on wood and bound with cord
Dimensions
67 × 74 cm (26 3/8 × 29 1/8 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Director's Fund
Although Orthodox Christianity has been practiced in the highlands of Ethiopia since the 4th century, this elaborate triptych is rendered in the courtly First Gonderine style, which flourished during the reign of King Iyyasu I (1682–1706) and incorporated bold, richly decorated forms and figures. With its central panel featuring the Virgin Mary and child Jesus flanked by archangels Gabriel and Michael, this icon reflects the popularity of Marian worship within the Ethiopian liturgy.
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