**Originally Listed At $1400**

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. Finely painted in egg tempera, gold leaf, and gesso on wood, an icon of Christ Pantokrator (also Pantocrator), Lord of the Universe, holding an open holy Gospel in his left hand, the fingers of his right hand giving benediction, arranged to form the initials of Christ’s monogram, IC XC. Embellishing the image is a glorious gold leaf halo and stunning Russian strapwork background and borders presenting mesmerizing abstract geometric patterns, also delineated in gold leaf. The icon is set in a decorative wood kiot of a fanciful shape with a gilded liner. Size: 10" W x 13.5" H (25.4 cm x 34.3 cm)

The wood kiot is a case that protects the icon from smoke and dust as well as temperature and humidity variations to some extent; however, it also serves to enhance and add ornament to the icon. Though this example is missing its glass front, its decorative shape and gilded liner still bestows the icon with glorious splendor.

The most accepted translation of Pantocrator is "Almighty" or "All Powerful" and the visage of Jesus certainly projects his omnipotence. This iconic depiction continues to be a central icon of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Christ gazes beyond the confines of the image, his visage finely delineated with graceful brushstrokes, a rendering aspiring to the naturalism sought in classical antiquity and the Renaissance, this in contrast to the expertly carved elaborate surround.

Icons were some of the first religious artworks brought to Russia from Byzantium. These sacred pictures reached a high point in the Byzantine era; however, the Russians brought their own style to the art of the icon. Icons were initially created for use in churches and processions. In time they became smaller and were used increasingly within households. To this day they remain an important form of visual culture in Russia's orthodox religious community. Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. These painted images depict holy persons and saints as well as illustrate scenes from the Scriptures. Icons are not worshiped, but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As such they are truly "windows into heaven."

Provenance: private Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, acquired second half of the 20th century

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#119514

With proper restoration, this piece would be quite a standout in any collection. Areas of craquelure to the painted image, especially over the Gospel. Surface wear with scratches and losses to painted and gilded surfaces. Gilded liner shows fissures, losses, and areas of touch up. Kiot has cracks and losses as shown.