The period known as Zemene Mesafint or the Era of Judges began with Emperor Iyosas’ affidavit. Throughout this period of nearly a hundred years, the Solomonics’ notoriety, impact, and authority declined, and many provincial warlords rose to power, striving for incomparability. Despite the fact that historians have paid little attention to this period, it appears to have been marked by a fall in handicraft progress. Canvases from this period are intimately linked to works done in the second Gondarine style in terms of subjects and forms, but the spectrum of tones used by specialists moves toward dazzling, plain tones.
The form lines are clean, but the facial demonstration is done in a flat coral red, which gives it an unnatural effect.
In works painted in the second Gondarine style (below), which grew in prominence under the reign of Iyasu II, the form lines become lighter, and more subtle use of concealing adds complexity to the bodies and faces of the individuals (1730-1755). During the eighteenth century, a variety of new subjects arise, many of which are inspired by European publications, and images of givers and supporters become more prominent.
