Central Ethiopia, 15th Century / Single Leaf from a Gospel Book with a Portrait of St. Luke / c. 1440-1480

Central Ethiopia, 15th Century
Single Leaf from a Gospel Book with a Portrait of St. Luke
c. 1440-1480
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Creator Nationality: African; East African; Ethiopian
Creator Name-CRT: Central Ethiopia, 15th Century
Title: Single Leaf from a Gospel Book with a Portrait of St. Luke
Title Type: Primary
View: Full View
Creation Start Date: 1440
Creation End Date: 1480
Creation Date: c. 1440-1480
Creation Place: Central Ethiopia
Object Type: Books
Classification Term: Manuscript
Materials and Techniques: ink and tempera on vellum
Dimensions: Sheet: 37cm x 25cm
AMICA Contributor: The Cleveland Museum of Art
Owner Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
ID Number: 1999.212
Credit Line: Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Rights: http://www.clemusart.com/museum/disclaim2.html
Context: Ethiopia represents one of the oldest branches of the Christian faith. Christianity arrived in Ethiopia during the 4th century, well before reaching northern Europe. Typical of icon and manuscript painting in Ethiopia, this leaf is decorated with bright colors and a joyous interplay of geometric pattern. The full-page miniature depicts the Evangelist Luke, with his symbol, the Ox, within the arch above. The short text is in geez (the ancient Ethiopic language), and consists of the opening lines of the gospel of Luke.All manuscript and icon painting in Ethiopia was confined to monasteries. The painting style of this leaf relates it to the Ewostathian monastic community of Central Ethiopia. The artists of this community rose to prominence under the scholar-emperor Zara Yaeqob (1434-1468), who commission-ed many of them to produce books and icons for the court. This leaf draws its inspiration from the most important monastic painter, Fre Seyon, who was enormously influential between about 1450 and 1500.
AMICA ID: CMA_.1999.212
AMICA Library Year: 2001
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright, The Cleveland Museum of Art

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