Antique Russian icon of Christ Pantocrator, 19th century, 31x26 cm
Antique Russian icon of Christ Pantocrator, 19th century, 12x10 in.
The Christ Pantocrator is one of the most solemn and widespread representations in the Christological tradition, symbolising the majesty, glory and power of Christ, Lord of the universe. Jesus is shown frontally in a hieratic and blessing pose: with his right hand he makes the gesture of blessing according to the Orthodox rite, while his left hand holds the Gospel, usually open and directed towards the faithful as a sign of the l...
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Antique Russian icon of Christ Pantocrator, 19th century, 12x10 in.
The Christ Pantocrator is one of the most solemn and widespread representations in the Christological tradition, symbolising the majesty, glory and power of Christ, Lord of the universe. Jesus is shown frontally in a hieratic and blessing pose: with his right hand he makes the gesture of blessing according to the Orthodox rite, while his left hand holds the Gospel, usually open and directed towards the faithful as a sign of the living Word.
In the cruciform halo are the traditional Greek letters indicating "the One who is". The intensely expressive face follows the canonical iconographic features: hair parted in the centre, deep contemplative eyes and sober features that convey both the divine and human dimensions of Christ. In this iconographic type the face becomes the theological centre of the image, the place of encounter between the believer and the mystery of God made man.
Occasionally the Gospel is depicted closed, a rarer variant that underlines the importance of the whole evangelical message as a guide to salvation. In every case, the icon evokes Christ as the light of the world and a merciful judge, inviting faith and conversion.
Executed according to tradition in egg tempera on a wood panel prepared with levkas, an ancient technique that makes each icon a unique object of great spiritual and artistic value.
Provenance: Moscow, Russia.
Technique: Egg tempera on wood with levkas preparation.
Materials: wood, levkas.
Dimensions: 12.2x10.2 in.
Era: 19th century.