Russian School Christ Vsederzitel known also as Christ the Pantokrator

Artist: Russian School (19th Century).
Title: Icon with Christ Vsederzitel known also as Christ the Pantokrator.
Medium: Oil on wooden panel with silver oklad
Condition: Some loss to the image where the oklad has contacted the icon and one loss to the left of Christ’s hand and smooth crazing to face. Overall the piece presents very well, wear is commensurate with age and use as an item of devotion.

About: This icon depicts one of the most common religious images of Orthodox Christianity. Commonly, in the art and architecture of the medieval Eastern Roman Church, an iconic mosaic or fresco of Christ Pantokrator would occupy the space in the central dome of the church, in the half-dome of the apse, or on the nave vault.

The image of Christ Vsederzitel was one of the earliest images of Christ that was developed in the Christian Church and to this day remains a central icon within the Eastern Orthodox Church. This work has the original silver oklad still attached protecting the icon whilst also fulfilling the purpose of honouring and venerating the icon. The wooden panel is covered in a burgundy-coloured velvet material.