A Chronology of 20th Century Ethiopian Art 1908 Afewerk Gebre Yesus, the western educated artist publishes TOBBIYA, the first Amharic novel. He is best known as an author rather than an artist.   1908 The first western style, government run primary school, the Menelik II School opens in Addis Ababa. Shortly thereafter, other schools open in Harar and other provincial towns. Latter, the first drawing lesson in western techniques will be given at the Menelik II school.