The Pantokrator

Moscow School. 16th century.

Temple Gallery, London, 45 x 37 cm.

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Pantokrator"The iconographic type of Christ Pantocrator (Ruler of All) presents the Divine Majesty of the Creator and the Redeemer, Who presides over the destinies of the world, under human features of the Incarnate Son . . . The grave expression on His face is full of sweetness; it is a compassionate Lord, come to take on himself the Sins of the world. . . Christ is clothed in a dark blue himation, but his tunic is represented as a glorious vestment woven of gold ('assiste'). The abundant hair falls in locks on the left shoulder of Christ. The right hand, folded in the gesture of benediction, inclines toward the Gospel, which Christ offers to the faithful. It is open at the passage from the Gospel of Matthew (xi, 28,30): "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you the rest. . . for my yoke is easy" (After Ouspensky and Lossky).

One of the most interesting things about this icon is Christ's expression. It is a dramatic departure from icons such as Christ of the Fiery Eye, where the Savior was depicted as severe and unforgiving. Here Christ is seen as a Savior, a father of all, and not an angry ruler ready to punish the sinners. The choice of color is also very beautiful. The gold background exalts the figure in the front, giving more emphasis to Christ face and his blue robe. The hair is once again in locks but it is not "realistic" -- a sign of a successful icon, since the less "realistic" the image is, the closer it is to the realm where God dwells. [S.C.]

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© Alexander Boguslawski 1998-2005
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