Framed: 69.5 x 51.4 x 2.7 cm (27 3/8 x 20 1/4 x 1 1/16 in.)
Type:
Painting
Geography:
Gondar, Ethiopia
Date:
1964-1965
Label Text:
The museum has a collection of icons that date from the 15th through the 19th centuries. All were painted by monastic artists for the church. This painting by R?’asa Dab?r Taya Getu of Manhara Maryam is an example of how these church trained artists work today on canvas, for both the church and the public. It bridges the gap between wood panel icons for purely religious purposes, and recent secular works such as the Battle of Adwa and Solomon and Sheba. It implies a more established patronage than the popular religious and genre scenes on cardboard and hide.
The iconography of the painting is classic Ethiopian Orthodox. Gabra Manfas Queddas is an important and popular Ethiopian Orthodox saint. Born in Egypt, he became a holy hermit in the desert. He is often depicted covered with hair, so-called holy hair, in place of a garment. After visiting the Holy Land, he went to Ethiopia, appearing miraculously with lions and leopards. His title of Abuna, relates to his founding of a monastery in Ethiopia.
Description:
Painting on canvas of white bearded man covered by white hair against a red background with blue border. Man’s dark halo crossed by a dark flying bird with white dots on wings. Small white leopard at figure’s proper right side, small golden lion with curling mane in front. Inscription in Ge’ez in upper proper left corner of canvas.
Provenance:
Purchased from the artist Gondar, Ethiopia, July 1965
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
