Orthodox icon | Christ Pantocrator | 24734

The depiction of Christ Pantocrator, the “Almighty“ or “all-powerful”” is considered the archetype of all icons. Through the Incarnation, Christ himself is the word and the image, the word of inexpressible mysteries and the image of the invisible God. At the Council of Nicea in 325 it was affirmed that Christ is the visible and perfect image of the Father. The image of the Pantocrator becomes a symbol of the iconoclast in the Byzantine Church. John of Damascus, among others, defended the portrayal. In the Western Church there is a similar motif, more reminiscent of secular rulers, the Majestas Domini (“Glory of the Lord”).

The undergarment (chiton) is often red or gold, the overgarment (himation) is usually blue or rarely green (divine colors: red/white/gold, earthly colors: blue/green/brown).

On the icon Christ is shown blessing, with the open Gospel: ” “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…” (Mt 11:28).

Background exposed/cleared. Gilded halo.