233 - ICON OF CHRIST PANTOKRATOR (CHRIST ALMIGHTY). RUSSIA, 19TH CENTURY.

ICON OF CHRIST PANTOKRATOR (CHRIST ALMIGHTY). RUSSIA, 19TH CENTURY. An antique Russian icon of Christ Pantokrator (Christ Almighty), executed in the traditions of 19th-century Russian icon painting. The icon is distinguished by its austere frontal composition, expressive modelling of the Saviour`s face and meticulously rendered drapery, combining rich dark tones with luminous, silver-toned highlights. Christ is depicted half-length in the traditional iconographic type of the Pantokrator, His right hand raised in blessing and His left holding an open Gospel book. The pages bear a Church Slavonic inscription rendered in carefully executed calligraphy. The Saviour`s face is painted in warm brown and ochre tones, with delicately modelled features, expressive eyes and finely delineated hair and beard. His head is surrounded by a broad gilded cruciform halo bearing the traditional inscriptions. The image is flanked by the abbreviations “IC XC” and the Church Slavonic inscription identifying Christ as the Lord Almighty. The icon is particularly distinguished by the treatment of the drapery. The dark blue himation is articulated with numerous silvery highlights, creating an intricate pattern of folds and emphasising the volume of the figure. The chiton is rendered in soft pinkish-ochre tones, with ornamental detailing around the neckline and sleeves. The figure of Christ stands against a restrained olive-brown background. The central painted field is framed by a fine pale line and broad dark borders, lending the composition a sense of solemnity and structural clarity. The icon is painted on a wooden panel reinforced on the reverse by two transverse wooden battens. Materials and Technique: Wood panel, gesso, probably tempera, gilding, painted highlights. Dimensions: 31.7 × 26.8 cm. Condition: Natural signs of age. Localised wear and minor losses to the paint layer, signs of wear along the edges and borders, slight scratches and age-related changes to the wooden support are visible. The Saviour`s face, inscriptions and principal elements of the composition remain well preserved. Width: 26.8cm, Height: 31.7cm, Depth: 6cm, Weight: 2kg, Condition: As is, Material: Wood, ID: ID-ANTQ-17261