Choose Category:

Home > Auctions > Starting 5th March 2024 > Ethiopian 'Miracle of Mary' Manuscript Leaf

Print page | Email lot to a friend

Back to previous page


Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Gallery loading...

LOT 1784

Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560

ETHIOPIAN 'MIRACLE OF MARY' MANUSCRIPT LEAF
CIRCA 1500 A.D.
10 1/2 x 9 1/4 in. (13 grams, 26.5 x 23.5 cm).

Vellum leaf with pricked guidelines for placement of two columns of black-ink text in Ge'ez script with red detailing; recto with nineteen lines of text; verso with text and polychrome painted scene of figures beside a house and distribution of drink. [No Reserve]

PROVENANCE:
Acquired on the New York art market, circa 2000.
Ex central London gallery.

LITERATURE:
Cf. Wallis, Budge, E.A.W., The miracles of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and The life of Hannâ (Saint Anne), and The magical prayers of ʻAhĕta
Mîkâêl,
London, 1900.

FOOTNOTES:
With the royal patronage for her cult given by the Gondar’s Kings, Virgin Mary's role as a maker of miracles became predominant and apocalyptic metaphors and narrative gained importance in pictorial representations, such as those in the manuscripts. Her eschatological role continued to evolve until the eighteenth century, when she was portrayed in an icon as a celestial empress.

CONDITION
VETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process

AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.