Lot 201A
Ethiopia, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A striking pair of pendant religious icons delineated in rich tempera and gesso on linen and wood in a hand-carved integral wood frame. One composition presents the Virgin and Child enthroned and flanked by two archangels, all identified in native script above. Complimenting this composition is an icon depicting the Holy Trinity with the symbols of the Evangelists in the corners: a man for Matthew in upper left, an eagle for John in upper right, a lion for Mark in lower left, and a winged ox or bull for Luke in lower right. Both have ladder-like attachments fitted with suspension wires and are beautifully painted in rich red, blue, and gold hues on the verso. Both Size: each measures 14.625" W x 18" H at highest (37.1 cm x 45.7 cm)
During the 18th and 19th century, Ethiopian artists were increasingly exposed to forms of expression from Europe, and diptychs like this example became popular among the nobility and continued to be favored in the 20th century. These paintings present a wide range of jewel-tone colors and a wonderful command of line. Somewhat similar to Byzantine icons in that the composition boldly renounces perspective and presses the figures close to the picture plane, the painting also displays an embrace of figural frontality.
Provenance: ex-private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection; collected in the 1960s by a member of the Foreign Service
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#127309
- Condition: Some surface wear with minor losses commensurate with age, but images are quite vivid.
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