Amhara. Painted Icon, Double Triptych, 19th century. Gesso on linen, tempera, wood, 12 x 18 in. (35.0 x 45.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin H. Williams, 76.132. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 76.132_recto_SL1.jpg)
Amhara. Painted Icon, Double Triptych, 19th century. Gesso on linen, tempera, wood, 12 x 18 in. (35.0 x 45.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin H. Williams, 76.132. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 76.132_verso_SL1.jpg)
Painted Icon, Double Triptych
Arts of Africa
The Ethiopian church’s strong link to Eastern Orthodox Christianity can be seen in the use of icons. The figures are motionless in posture as in Byzantine art, but they have Ethiopian features.
One central panel of this icon shows the Virgin and Child flanked by the archangels Gabriel and Michael. The left panel depicts Saint George slaying the dragon, above, and Takla Haymonat and Ewostatewas, two local saints, below. On the right panel, the Resurrection is represented as Christ releasing Adam and Eve from Limbo.
The opposite central panel portrays Christ wearing a crown of thorns and being mocked before Pontius Pilate. Below are the husband and wife who commissioned the icon. The upper part of the panel on the right shows a local saint, Abo, with a dove and pairs of lions and leopards. The lower part depicts the entombment of Christ.
One central panel of this icon shows the Virgin and Child flanked by the archangels Gabriel and Michael. The left panel depicts Saint George slaying the dragon, above, and Takla Haymonat and Ewostatewas, two local saints, below. On the right panel, the Resurrection is represented as Christ releasing Adam and Eve from Limbo.
The opposite central panel portrays Christ wearing a crown of thorns and being mocked before Pontius Pilate. Below are the husband and wife who commissioned the icon. The upper part of the panel on the right shows a local saint, Abo, with a dove and pairs of lions and leopards. The lower part depicts the entombment of Christ.
CULTURE
Amhara
MEDIUM
Gesso on linen, tempera, wood
DATES
19th century
DIMENSIONS
12 x 18 in. (35.0 x 45.7 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Arts of Africa
ACCESSION NUMBER
76.132
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin H. Williams
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1976, provenance not yet documented; by 1976, acquired by Franklin Hall Williams and Shirley Broyard Williams of New York, NY; December 8, 1976, gift of Franklin Hall Williams and Shirley Broyard Williams to the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Side A: Virgin and child in central panel flanked on either side by scenes of Crucifixion. Ascension of Christ, St. George and the dragon, and figures representing possibly the servants of St. George. There are inscriptions over the heads of some figures. Colors are mainly blue, yellow, red, and green. Side B: Central panel is scene of Christ in majesty with radiating nimbus surrounded by sleeping figures and on side panels figures of Ethiopian saints, scene of the raising of Lazarus (possibly), a shepard and an Ethiopian King. Colors are mainly yellow, red and blue. Condition: All painted surfaces in need of stabilization. Condition is fragile. Linen worn especially at edges.
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Amhara. Painted Icon, Double Triptych, 19th century. Gesso on linen, tempera, wood, 12 x 18 in. (35.0 x 45.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin H. Williams, 76.132. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 76.132_recto_SL1.jpg)
IMAGE
recto, 76.132_recto_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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