Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. Finely painted in egg tempera and gold leaf on gesso and linen atop wood, a large 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. A large coronal halo frames Christ's head, with a fluted interior edge and three faded Cyrillic letters on the top and lateral sides, each encased within its own respective eight-cornered box, and a delicate nimbus graces the exterior rim; the backdrop is detailed with an exquisite series of diagonally-oriented eight-pointed stars. Embellishing the image is a magnificent border of Russian strapwork presenting mesmerizing abstract geometric patterns, also delineated in gold leaf and faux enamel adornments. Size: 14.5" W x 17.25" H (36.8 cm x 43.8 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 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: ex-Francis & Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

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#119442

Areas of surface wear with slight pigment losses and discoloration as shown. Small chips and losses to peripheries, faux enamel designs, and gold leaf embellishments. Two small loop screws and suspension wire on verso as well as an old Lithuanian importation label.