Lot 118
Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. Finely painted in egg tempera, gold and silver 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 Christs monogram, IC XC. The icon is set in an integral decorative frame of an ornate Baroque-inspired design, somewhat resembling the parted curtains of a canopy. The fanciful silhouette of this icon suggests that it may have formed part of a Deesis. Suspension loop on verso. Size: 14" W x 10.5" H (35.6 cm x 26.7 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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#119515
- Condition: Icon shows surface wear, some darkening, areas of craquelure, and loss commensurate with age. The integral 'frame' shows age wear and losses as well. Still, a very strong example of this powerful subject.
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