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Artist:
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Amhara
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Title:
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Diptych icon
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Date:
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c. 1700
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Medium:
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Tempera on gesso-covered wood
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Dimensions:
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16 1/8 x 19 15/16 x 15/16 in. (40.96 x 50.64 x 2.38 cm) (open)
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Credit Line:
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The Robert J. Ulrich Works of Art Purchase Fund
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Location:
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Gallery 240
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Ethiopia was the first nation in Africa to adopt Christianity when King Ezana made it the state religion in the early 4th century. Crosses are among the best-known items of Christian Ethiopian art; nowhere else are there as many different styles. These two examples are fashioned in brass and would have been mounted on long wood poles, to be carried during processions. They date from the 15th century. Remarkably vibrant in color, the large icon in diptych form dates from around 1700. Its size made it suitable for processions and ritual displays. Like all Ethiopian icons, it is composed according to a fixed pattern - see the adjacent label for more information.
Object Description
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Inscriptions:
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Sticker on back, on sticker: [10801]
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Classification:
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Painting
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Physical Description:
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two wood panels attached in book form with string; traces of gesso and fragments of running border designs in black on outer front cover; each inner panel split into three horizontal frames showing various scenes including Jesus with the 12 apostles, Mary and infant Jesus with a pair of angels with swords, the crucifixion, Daniel with two lions and St. George slaying a serpent-like dragon; orange, yellow, grey-blue, black and white
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Creation Place:
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Africa, Ethiopia, East Africa
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Accession #:
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2009.39.2
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Owner:
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The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
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