Icon - Christ Pantocrator - Wood

Russian Icon “Christ Pantokrator / Christ the World’s Ruler,” circa 1830, 19th century.



Very decorative Russian wooden icon plaque depicting Christ as Pantocrator. Christ is depicted frontal, with blessing right hand and open Gospel book in the left hand. The icon is richly gilded with leaves; the golden background and the broad ornamental border show finely crafted floral and geometric designs. The painting is rendered in strong red, blue and gold tones and possesses a lovely age-related patina.

The back shows the original wooden plaque with crossbar, signs of use, small drilled holes, paint remnants and hanging ring. The icon shows age-related wear, rubbing, craquelure, minor paint losses and traces of prior use, which underline its authentic historical character.

Dimensions: approx. 27 × 23 cm
Origin: Russia
Dating: circa 1830, 19th century
Technique: Tempera/oil on wood, leaf gold, engraved/ornamental gold ground

Inscription:
The bottom inscription is presumably “Господь Вседержитель” – in German: “Herr, der Allherrscher” or “Christ Pantokrator.”
The inscription in the opened book is very likely the well-known Bible verse from Matthew 11:28, given the recognizable text:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Condition: age and use-related traces, partial rubbing of the gilding and paint layer, small losses and worm holes/holes in the wood, overall collectible, authentic condition with a beautiful patina.