This magnificent Russian icon of Christ Pantocrator comes from Central Russia and dates back to the 18th century. Made in egg tempera on wood panel, it represents one of the highest expressions of Orthodox spirituality, in which the figure of Christ dominates the space with authority and sweetness together.
The face of the Savior is inscribed in the cruciform halo, whose Greek letters "Ὁ ὬΝ" ("He who is") allude to the mystery of the living God. With his right hand Christ blesses, while in his left he holds the Book of the Gospels open with a passage that invites faith and inner peace. The soft modeling of the features, the chromatic transparency and the depth of the gaze reveal the hand of an iconographer linked to the tradition of the schools of Yaroslavl’ and Kostroma, but with more intimate and devotional inflections typical of the provincial workshops of the 18th century.
The panel, measuring 34.5 × 28 cm, shows an antique patina with original craquelure, testimony to the authenticity and long veneration to which the work was destined. The warm tones of the red cloak and blue chiton emphasize the twofold mystery of Christ's humanity and divinity, while the light background accentuates the spiritual luminosity of the scene.
The icon of Christ Pantocrator, "Lord of the Universe", was traditionally placed in the center of the iconostasis, a symbol of Christ's kingly presence in the Church and of His living Word. This example, of fine workmanship and perfectly preserved, represents a rare opportunity for collectors and scholars of Russian sacred art.
