**Originally Listed At $750**

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. Finely painted in egg tempera and gesso on wood with lustrous areas of gilding and silvering, an icon of Christ Pantokrator or Pantocrator, Lord of the Universe, holding an open holy Gospel in his left hand, the fingers of his right hand giving benediction, and the letters of Christ's monogram - ICXC - flank his head. 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, a rendering aspiring to the naturalism sought in classical antiquity and the Renaissance, this in contrast to the large and relatively flat nimbus and the thick, lustrous border – resulting in a rich balance between realism and spiritual transfiguration. Size: 14.6" W x 19.1" H (37.1 cm x 48.5 cm)

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 New Jersey, USA collection

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#176266

Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break line. Some minor nicks and chips, commensurate with age, but otherwise in very good overall condition with nice remaining pigments, gilding, and silvering. Light patina throughout.