AFEWERK TEKLE | Defender of his Country

Private Collection, Norway
Thence by descent

Please note that this work is stretched and framed. There are two minor surface marks visible to the upper left and right-hand corners. Upon close inspection there appears to be some very minor surface loss visible to the centre of the left hand framing edge. There is also a further area of minor surface loss, only visible upon close inspection, located in the pink/beige area within the lower left-hand quadrant of the work, approximately 50mm from the lower left-hand framing edge. Overall, the work appears to be in very good condition. Inspection under UV light shows no attempt of restoration or repair.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Afewerk Tekle, born on 22 October 1932 in Shewa Province, Ethiopia, grew up during the Second World War in Italian occupied Ethiopia. These experiences of his childhood greatly influenced Tekle’s later life and his eventual decision to travel abroad to the United Kingdom to further his education. Tekle left Ethiopia in 1947 to study mining engineering with the intention of returning to aid in the reconstruction of his home country. However, once in England, Afewerk Tekle’s skill and artistic talent was recognised and he eventually transferred to Central School of Arts and Crafts in London, later to move on to Slade School of Art. Tekle returned to Ethiopia and had his first exhibition in Addis Ababa in 1954. After returning to Ethiopia, the artist began to travel around the surrounding areas of his homeland, which was evident in the work he was creating. It was back in Europe that Tekle expanded his artistic methods, using stained glass and studying ancient manuscripts from Ethiopia. These skills were put to good use in later years. His murals and mosaics in the Saint George Cathedral are renowned and he went on to design the stained glass window for the Africa Hall of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa. In 1981 Afewek Tekle's self-portrait was the first African work to be displayed in the Uffizi Collection.

Afewek Tekle is remembered as one of Ethiopia’s most renowned artists. Tekle would paint a great deal of subjects throughout his career but was most known for his depictions of African and Christian themes. In 1987 his iconic work 'Defender of his Country' was printed on an a national stamp. This work perfectly represents the themes and techniques for which the artist is most known as a biblical figure emerges out of a geometrically patterned composition, reminiscent of stained glass, standing confidently and ready to defend his country.This painting has become a National symbol throughout Ethiopia.