Ethiopian Devotions: Paintings, Illuminated Manuscripts, and Processional Crosses from the Fourteenth to the Twentieth Centuries (Hardcover)

Admire stunning Christian imagery of Ethiopian Orthodox Church art in this lavishly illustrated volume with informative essays and more than 100 images

Ethiopia is one of the world’s oldest Christian civilizations, and its rich artistic history often centers on religious themes and practices. Ranging from the fourteenth to the twentieth centuries, Ethiopian Devotions celebrates an incredible collection of work, from a free-standing basilica carved from living rock, to the tradition of Ethiopic hagiography describing the lives of saints, to diptych and triptych icons of veneration — miniature paintings distinctive for their vibrant colors and soulful eyes.

Insightful essays present Ethiopia’s devotional arts, and place in context the images of illustrated manuscripts, panel paintings, inscribed portraits, murals, crosses, garments, devotional images, prayer staffs, church and monastery architecture, and more, while exploring their connection to liturgical music and literature.

Written by distinguished scholars in the field, the book’s exploration of Ethiopia’s cultural, artistic, and religious traditions is authoritative, and its more than 100 images reveal the depth, beauty and detail embodied in the artwork. Ethiopian Devotions offers readers the opportunity to understand and admire radiant art and learn about its long and remarkable history.

About the Author

The SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART has an extraordinary collection of African art dating from the tenth century to the present day as well as a world-renowned photographic archive and library. MARILYN HELDMAN (1935–2019) was a freelance scholar and art historian who edited several works on Ethiopic manuscripts, spoke at numerous conferences related to Ethiopian art, and served as curator of several exhibits of Ethiopic manuscripts.