The artwork titled “Apa Abraham” was created by the artist group known as “Orthodox Icons” around the date c.590 – c.600. Utilizing the medium of tempera on wood, this piece belongs to the Coptic art movement and falls under the genre of iconography. It forms a part of the series titled “Saints” and is currently housed in the Bode Museum located in Berlin, Germany.
The artwork portrays a saintly figure, likely representing Apa Abraham, depicted with traditional iconographic elements. The subject is shown with a serene yet austere expression, characterized by large, expressive eyes and a long, flowing beard. The halo around the figure’s head is a prominent feature, indicating sanctity. The use of tempera on a wooden panel gives the artwork a textural and vibrant quality, despite the evident signs of aging and wear. The somber, muted color palette, combined with the rough, earthy texture of the wood, contributes to the overall solemn and reverent tone of the piece, which is emblematic of Coptic religious artistry.
