Icon - Christ Pantocrator - Wood

Authentic, antique Russian religious icon from the 19th century, executed in traditional folk-art style.

Depiction of Christ Pantocrator (the Almighty) seated on a richly decorated throne.

With His right hand He makes the gesture of divine blessing, while in His left hand He holds an open Gospel book.

The head of Christ is fitted with a metal halo (nimbus) with sunken relief ornaments, mounted on the panel.

The painting is tempera on a sturdy wooden panel.

The back of the icon shows the authentic construction with two wooden crossbars (sponki) slid into dovetail grooves to prevent warping of the wood—typical of artisanal 19th-century iconography.
Specifications:
Subject: Christ Pantocrator on the throne
Origin: Russia
Date: 19th century
Technique: Tempera on wooden panel, equipped with metal halo
Condition:

In good antique condition with beautiful signs of aging (craquelure). The panel has, through the years and the wood’s movement, developed a natural vertical shrink seam/crack that runs through the face and the halo (see detail photos).
The back side has later been fitted with a hanging eye.

The corners at the bottom show minor damage, presumably from earlier transport—see photos.