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This image illustrates when the Queen of Sheba (known in Ethiopia as the Makeda) visited King Solomon of Israel. Although the Bible describes this event, the painting’s source is likely the Kebra Nagast (“The Glory of Kings”). Possibly written in the 6th c., the Kebra Nagast became the central national and religious narrative for Ethiopia. It is a popular source for Ethiopian folk paintings.
In the center of the painting, King Solomon and the Makeda are flanked by attendants. Beside the queen are the great riches of gold, gems, spices, and ivory she has brought to Solomon as a tribute and sign of respect. Her extended finger may refer to the questions she asks Solomon to test his wisdom. It may also indicate the moment described in the Kebra Negast when she demands that the king not try to seduce her (chapter 29, as referenced in the inscription above the image). Solomon nevertheless ignored this request and impregnated her after tricking her into his bed. The couple’s son, Menelik, would later establish the Solomonic dynasty, which ruled Ethiopia until 1974.
Although most Ethiopian manuscript illuminations are not signed, here we can see in the lower right corner, the signature of the artist, Tesfaye.