Fre Seyon - Diptych with Mary and Her Son Flanked by Archangels, Apostles and a Saint - Walters 3612 - Open

late 15 th century · Ethiopia

Medieval · artifact

About this work

The Christ Child touches his mother's chin with a gesture of affection that was probably inspired by 15th-century Italian paintings then greatly admired at the Ethiopian royal court.

Original catalogue wording

The Christ Child touches his mother's chin with a gesture of affection that was probably inspired by 15th-century Italian paintings then greatly admired at the Ethiopian royal court. Victorious saints on horseback had great appeal for the upper classes of Ethiopia, where noblemen were trained in horsemanship and combat. The artist is most likely a follower of Fre Seyon, the celebrated 15th-century painter who left only one signed work.

Source classification: painted panel

Date
late 15 th century
Object type
Icons & panel paintings
Recorded place
Ethiopia
Holding institution
The Walters Art Museum