Book of the Gospels

In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Gospels are considered the most important holy texts. This striking illuminated example was likely commissioned by a member of Ethiopia’s ruling elite for presentation to their favored church or monastery. Brief notations indicate that it was bestowed upon a church dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The manuscript includes twenty full-page paintings depicting scenes from the life of Christ and portraits of the four evangelists. Those paintings, which were created by at least two artists, were intended to be viewed during liturgical processions. They draw upon Byzantine pictorial prototypes that have been adapted to local styles and preferences. These include outlining the figures in red and black, abbreviating facial features, and depicting columnar bodies swathed in intricately patterned textiles.