Interpretive Resource

Book: The Miracles of Mary: A Seventeenth-Century Ethiopian Manuscript

This small but lavishly illustrated publication marks the acquisition and exhibition of a magnificent seventeenth-century Ethiopian manuscript depicting the Miracles of Mary.

Since its earliest foundation in the fourth century, Ethiopian Christianity has developed a unique character and distinctive forms of practice. The figure of Mary is particularly meaningful: she is honored as the Holy Mother of God, the Mother Church, and Our Lady Mary the Intercessor. Manuscripts such as the Art Institute's—produced by skilled calligraphers and illuminators working in Ethiopia's capital, Gonder—were commissioned by royal patrons for their own collections and for presentation to monasteries and churches.

This publication includes a brief introduction, a selection of twelve color plates, and descriptive captions.