Ethiopian art

Category: Ethiopian Religious Iconography (Painting)
Condition: Excellent
For Sale: No

Description & Analysis

The artwork appears to be a traditional Ethiopian Orthodox Christian painting, likely depicting a saint or religious figure, given the golden halo, the walking staff, and the book. Ethiopian religious art has a distinct style, characterized by bold colors, stylized figures, and a flat, two-dimensional perspective.

This piece seems to be painted on a fabric-like surface, which is a traditional method in Ethiopian religious iconography. The orange and gold tones, as well as the black robe, suggest it might be inspired by early Ethiopian Orthodox Christian manuscripts or church murals. The facial features and posture are typical of Ethiopian icon paintings, which have a long history dating back to the 4th century when Christianity was adopted in Ethiopia.

Potential Age & Authenticity

• If this is an authentic Ethiopian painting, it could be a 20th-century or earlier example of religious artwork, created by a local artisan for church or devotional use.
• If it is a modern reproduction, it still holds cultural value but would not be considered an antique.

Market Value

• Authentic, Hand-Painted Ethiopian Icon (20th century or earlier): Estimated between $500 - $3,000, depending on provenance and condition.
• Modern or Reproduction Piece: Typically valued between $100 - $500, depending on materials and craftsmanship.

Recommendations

To confirm authenticity and refine the valuation, I recommend:

1. Examining the back of the piece for signs of aging, wear, or inscriptions.
2. Consulting an expert in Ethiopian Orthodox Christian art, particularly one familiar with African religious iconography.
3. Checking for provenance (history of ownership) if possible.

Resources In Ethiopian Christian Art

Identifying experts in Ethiopian Orthodox Christian art can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the field. However, here are some notable scholars and institutions that have made significant contributions to the study and preservation of this art form:

Scholars:

• Dr. Raymond Silverman: A professor at the University of Michigan, Dr. Silverman has extensively researched Ethiopian art and culture. He co-authored Ethiopian Church Art: Painters, Patrons, Purveyors, a comprehensive study on the subject.
  sites.lsa.umich.edu
   
• Dr. Neal Sobania: Professor Emeritus at Pacific Lutheran University, Dr. Sobania has collaborated with Dr. Silverman on various projects related to Ethiopian art.
  sites.lsa.umich.edu
   
• Dr. Jacopo Gnisci: A researcher specializing in Christian Ethiopian art, Dr. Gnisci has contributed to the understanding of Ethiopian iconography and manuscript illumination.
  aai.uni-hamburg.de 

Institutions:

• Institute of Ethiopian Studies, Addis Ababa University: This institute houses a vast collection of Ethiopian art and manuscripts, serving as a hub for research and preservation.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Located in New York, the museum has a collection of Ethiopian Christian art and has published research on the subject.
• The British Museum: Home to a collection of Ethiopian artifacts, the museum has been involved in research and exhibitions related to Ethiopian Orthodox art.

For a professional appraisal of your artwork, consider reaching out to these scholars or institutions. They can provide expertise or direct you to qualified appraisers specializing in Ethiopian Orthodox Christian art.