Icon - Wood - Pantocrator

Jesus Christ as Christ Pantocrator (Christ the “All-Powerful” or “Sovereign of all”)

Blessing with the right hand

The fingers form the traditional gesture (IC XC), symbol of Christ’s name in Greek.

Open book in the left hand
Represents the Gospel. The text in ecclesiastical Slavonic is usually a phrase of Christ (though here it is somewhat worn).

Frontal and solemn face
Direct gaze, typical of the Pantocrator: Christ as judge and teacher.

Halo with cross
Indicates his divinity.

Inscription “IC XC”
Abbreviation of “Jesus Christ” in Greek.

Two side figures
Probably saints or prophets.

Tradition: Orthodox (probably Russian or Slavic)

Technique: Tempera on wood

Probable date: 18th–19th century

About the text of the book

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened…” (Matthew 11:28)

The style of the alphabet indicates ecclesiastical Slavonic, typical in Russian icons.