Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. Finely painted in egg tempera and gold leaf, an icon of Christ Pantokrator, 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. The icon is set in a decorative glass-fronted wood kiot of an arched shape with a gilded liner with red pigment highlights of concentric arched forms repeating the design of the kiot - and a tympanum above Christ adorned with golden, cut brass openwork strapwork designs and an attached white metal dove at the center. Size: 12.5" W x 17.75" H (31.8 cm x 45.1 cm)

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 meticulously delineated, but relatively flat, gilded, and faux enamel nimbus and surrounding strapwork patterns – resulting in a rich balance between naturalism and spiritual transfiguration.

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. This example in particular with its decorative shape and ornate carved and gilded liner bestows the icon with glorious splendor.

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. Some icons, like this example, are encased in precious metal covers (oklads) and glass-fronted wooden cases (kiots). 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: ex-Francis and Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina USA

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#119491

Icon shows very minor surface wear, tiny loss to Christ's hair, and small losses to gilded strapwork. Gilded liner shows some surface wear and has a few fissures and losses. Metalwork of tympanum shows slight tarnish. Wooden kiot has a few cracks/signs of repair, but is definitely serviceable.