Triptych Icon
Late 17th century
Medium
Tempera on linen, mounted on wood and bound with cord
Dimensions
67 × 74 cm (26 3/8 × 29 1/8 in.)
Classification
triptych
Department
Arts of Africa
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
185651
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Although Orthodox Christianity has been practiced in the highlands of Ethiopia since the 4th century, this elaborate triptych is rendered in the courtly First Gonderine style, which flourished during the reign of King Iyyasu I (1682–1706) and incorporated bold, richly decorated forms and figures. With its central panel featuring the Virgin Mary and child Jesus flanked by archangels Gabriel and Michael, this icon reflects the popularity of Marian worship within the Ethiopian liturgy.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...