Ethiopia’s oldest icon may not have come from Byzantium, but was instead painted in eastern Africa by a master from Siena who travelled there as early as the 14th century. This revolutionary theory is put forward by the French specialist Jacques Mercier in his new book Art of Ethiopia. It is a miraculous icon and is displayed only once a year and occasionally to aid women who are finding it difficult to conceive. The plateau’s very isolation, together with the determination of the monks to preserve their ancient treasures, will hopefully safeguard this miraculous icon. • The Art of Ethiopia: from the Origins to the Golden Century (330-1527), by Jacques Mercier, is published by Editions Place des Victoires, Paris

Source: Ethiopian News December 22, 2021 16:22 UTC