Producer unknown to us
Triptych
Africa, Ethiopia, Bahir Dar
Prior to 1994
Wood, carved, painted
Salehu Anteneh (computer scientist)
Purchased by the museum from Anteneh in 1994
MAf 34774
The central panel of this triptych depicts the Mother of God seated with the Christ Child on her lap, flanked by the archangels Gabriel and Michael. This image is based on a depiction of the icon Salus Populi Romani in Saint Mary Major, which was brought to Ethiopia by missionaries from Italy and would significantly change the way Mary was depicted in Ethiopia.
The left panel shows St. George with the slain dragon in the upper part. In the lower part of the same panel is the Ethiopian saint Tekle Haymanot, recognizable by his severed left foot. The right panel depicts the crucifixion of Jesus with Mary and John and the resurrected Christ redeeming Adam and Eve, who are at his feet in the lower scene. Behind Christ are the archangels Michael and Gabriel. It seems that the formation of the other scenes, dominated by men, around the Mother of God is the focal point of this triptych. Mary is thus elevated to the most powerful figure in the entire ensemble. This icon was sold to the museum in 1994 by Salehu Anteneh.
Stefanie Bach