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Description

Painting on vellum. Image is of a male walking at the front of a small procession, holding a blue and gold shield (gasha) in one hand and a spear in the other, wearing an animal skin cape over his green striped robe, and a curved knife on his belt. Empress Taytu, wearing a crown, walks behind, with a red, fringed umbrella held overhead, wearing a dark blue cloak and a garment with an embroidered hem. Next is a woman in a long white robe with a scarf, carrying a small container; then another man wearing an animal skin cape, holding a spear, with a curved knife hanging from his belt. A group of 5 men are mostly hidden from view behind him, holding spears. The background is dark orange-brown, with the figures and border outlined in green.

Narrative

This painting depicts a political procession during the reign of Emperor Menelik II. The leader of the procession is likely a general for Menelik's army and the crowned figure is Menelik's wife, Empress Taytu, shielded by a processional umbrella. In addition to establishing the capital city of Addis Ababa in 1886, building churches, and acting as patrons of the arts, Emperor Menelik II and his wife Empress Taytu were famous for resisting colonization attempts by Italy. This painting, depicting Empress Taytu, perhaps depicts a procession celebrating the Ethiopian victory at the Battle of Adwa, a historic battle in which Menelik defeated the Italian army. Folk tales credit the Empress Taytu for helping with the military's victorious strategy in this battle. It was possibly painted during a period of increased foreign tourism to Ethiopia during Emperor Menelik's reign. At this time, painting themes celebrating both the Christian heritage of Ethiopia and its military prowess became popular in Addis Adaba, to be sold to tourists.