Lot 158
Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 1835 CE. Finely painted in egg tempera, varnish, and gesso on linen and wood and covered with a beautiful silver oklad with a gilded nimbus, an icon of Christ Pantokrator, Lord of the Universe, holding an orb symbolizing the universe rather than a holy Gospel in his left hand, the fingers of his right hand giving benediction, arranged to form the initials of Christs monogram, IC XC. T. In addition to embellishing the image with a meticulously cut nimbus, lovely robes, the cross-topped orb, and monograms referring to the subject, the oklad shows hallmarks at the lower center, just above the floral border, with the symbol for Moscow (St. George killing the dragon), the date 1835, a maker's mark, the assayers mark, and 84 signifying sterling silver. Size: 7.125" L x 5.75" W (18.1 cm x 14.6 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 large and relatively flat gilded nimbus and surrounding decorated arch and corners resulting in a rich balance between naturalism and spiritual transfiguration.
The oklad or riza, sometimes referred to as a revetment in English, is a metal cover, in this case silver, that not only protects the icon, but also serves to honor or venerate the figure(s) depicted on the icon. Oklads are usually adorned with repousse work and pierced to reveal elements of the underlying painting. This artisan truly knew how to bring silver to life in a manner that both complements and uplifts the painted image.
Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Found in homes as well as churches, 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). 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 Mexico USA collection
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#124550
- Condition: Some losses to rays of nimbus. Painting shows areas of craquelure and slight loss, but overall very good. Oklad shows some tears (including one to lower end of cross), bending, and expected tarnish. Inscription on verso.
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