Ethiopian Christ Enthroned in Majesty

Ethiopian Icon, 17th century.

From Scribal Terror:

This stunning illustration comes from a manuscript on display at the British Museum. It was "commissioned in the last years of the 17th century by Emperor Iyasu I Yohannes of Ethiopia for use in his royal city of Gondar." Note the symbols of the apostles surrounding the enthroned Christ: Matthew the Man, John the Eagle, Luke the Ox, and Mark the Lion. I find it interesting how the compressed bodies, large-eyed faces, and stylized positioning reflect the Coptic (Egyptian) style, but do it in such a distinctive manner.

For this and other Ethiopian and Egyptian icons, plus an exposition of Coptic symbolism, read the rest of the article here.