LOT 0374

Ethiopian Wooden Diptych Icon of the Virgin and Child with Gabra Manfus Qeddus and Saints

17TH CENTURY A.D.

8 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. (453 grams, 21.8 x 19 cm).

Portable shrine with geometric ornament and crosses to the outer face, opening doors to reveal a diptych with image of Mary Theotokos and Child, escorted by angels Gabriel and Michael with drawn swords, on the left; on the right, Abune Gabra Manfus Qeddus with hands raised, nimbate figures of Takla Haymanot and Ewostatewos with yellow and blue garments on the right; on the lower right corner Saint George (Bet Gorgis) killing the dragon. [No Reserve]

Sir Alistair McAlpine, circa 2000.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

See Chojnacki, S., 'Notes on Art in Ethiopia in the 16th Century: an Enquiry into the Unknown Author(s)' in Journal of Ethiopian Studies, Vol. 9, July 1971, No. 2 pp. 21-97, fig.10, for similar scene; Chojnaki, S., 'The Iconography of St. George in Ethiopia: Part II: St. George, the Dragon-Killer' in Journal of Ethiopian Studies, Vol. 11, No. 2 (July 1973), pp.51-92, icon I.E.S. collection no.3887; cf. also Heldman, M., Munro-Hay Stuart, C., African Zion, The sacred art of Ethiopia, Yale University Press, 1993, cat.11,13,102, for icons in similar style, and p.7.

In the Ethiopian icons, Gabra Manfas Qeddus (Servant of the Holy Spirit) the famous hermit whose sanctity tamed the wild beasts, is often represented. The exterior faces of these diptych panels, like the smaller bilateral diptychs of the 17th century, were carved with centralised cross designs that reflects the carved designs of contemporary wooden altar tablets.