Ethiopian Orthodox style, Ethiopia
Mid-17th century
Paint on wood
2004-7-6, gift of Joseph and Patricia Brumit

Devout individuals have commissioned icons (wood panel paintings) as gifts to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church since the 15th century. The icon was believed to carry the peoples' prayers for mercy and healing directly to the depicted saint—most often Mary with the infant Christ. The archangels, Michael and Gabriel, stand next to Mary, and Saint George often rides a white horse on the opposite panel. Small icons may have been worn around the neck suspended in cloth or leather bags or by a cord through a wood cylinder.

Relative size

Ethiopian Orthodox style, Ethiopia
Late 17th century
Paint on wood panel, leather, iron
2004-7-3, gift of Joseph and Patricia Brumit

This large icon, meant to be seen by many people, was carried in church processions on holy days. The subject of Christ crowned with thorns and flanked by tormentors was modeled after Ethiopia's famous imperial icon that was carried into battle by the emperor's army.

Relative size