Icon - Christ Pantocrator - Wood

Russian Icon “Christ Pantocrator / Christ the Ruler of the Universe,” circa 1830, 19th century.




Highly decorative Russian wooden panel icon depicting Christ as Pantocrator. Christ is shown frontally, with his right hand raised in blessing and an open Gospel book in his left hand. The icon is richly adorned with gold leaf; the gold background and broad ornamental border feature finely executed floral and geometric designs. The painting is rendered in rich shades of red, blue, and gold, and has a beautiful patina acquired with age.

The reverse shows the original wooden panel with a crossbar, old signs of use, small holes, traces of paint, and a hanging ring. The icon has age-appropriate wear, rubbing, craquelure, minor paint losses, and signs of earlier use, underscoring its authentic historical character.

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

Inscription:
The lower inscription probably reads “Господь Вседержитель” – in English: “Lord Almighty” or “Christ Pantocrator.”
Based on the legible text, the inscription in the open book is very likely the well-known Bible verse from Matthew 11:28:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Condition: Signs of age and use, partial wear to the gilding and paint layer, small losses and wormholes/borings in the wood; overall, a collectible and authentic condition with a beautiful patina.