1700-1720 AD. A large folding polyptych icon, one side with the crucifixion and the Resurrection of Christ, on the other side Saint George (Bet Gorgis) on horseback and Virgin Mary with the Child; in the Crucifixion, Jesus is flanked by the Virgin Mary and Saint John, the Virgin weeping, Saint John praying; in the Resurrection, Christ is rising in royal robe, blessing with the right hand, and holding a standard with the cross in his left hand; near him Adam and Eve, with crossed arms; Saint George is killing the dragon, mounted on a richly caparisoned horse, the princess near him; the Virgin Mary is holding the child seated on her left arm, the Child blessing with the right arm and holding the Gospel with the left one; beside them the archangels Michael and Gabriel. See Chojnacki, S., 'Notes on Art in Ethiopia in the 16th Century: an Enquiry into the Unknown Author(s)' in Journal of Ethiopian Studies, vol. 9, no.2 (JULY 1971), pp.21-97.395 grams, 21.5cm (8 1/2"). From the private collection of Alistair McAlpine (1942-2014"). The Crucifixion scene shows a Western influence: Christ has a form of crown of thorns on his head, his arms are markedly slanted, and his long hair flows along his left arm to the elbow. Mary has her hands united in the weeping posture. The representation of Christ's closed eyes, large and horizontally elongated, may be associated with the icons in which the Virgin of the Santa Maria Maggiore type is found. The holy blood flows down, however, in accordance with oriental Christian tradition. Clearly the painting is an interesting amalgamation of 15th century inspirations and new influences of the Portuguese era in Ethiopian history, well-consolidated in the 18th century. The method of drawing with thick coloured lines on this icon is common to all the icons of this typology. [No Reserve]

Fine condition.