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Icons & Paintings
Icon of the Virgin and Child
የእመቤታችን ሥዕል
The Virgin Mary, robed in deep blue, holds the Christ Child. On either side the Archangels Michael and Gabriel lift their swords in protection. The wide almond eyes and flat, radiant colours are typical of Ethiopian painting.
Why it matters
Holy figures are shown face-on with both eyes visible, while the wicked are shown in profile — a convention found throughout Ethiopian church art.
Object details
- Date
- 17th century
- Material
- Tempera on gesso over wood
- Dimensions
- 40 × 30 cm
- Origin
- Gondarine school
- Gallery
- Icons & Paintings
Look closely
- Archangels in attendance
- Frontal faces with large eyes
- Bright red, yellow and blue palette
Illustrative record — to be replaced with the church’s documented object and photograph.