Description
Hand-Painted Byzantine Orthodox Icon of CHRIST PANTOCRATOR (SINAI), painted in a Romanian Orthodox monastery by iconographer Nun Petronia
Materials: Natural Pigments, MDF Wood Board, 24K Gold Leaf, Varnish
Size of the Icon: A4 11.7×8.3 inches/ 29,7×21 cm, Thickness 1 inch/ 2.5 cm.
Technique: Egg Tempera technique, Hand ...Painted
History of the icon
This icon is one of the oldest Byzantine religious icons, dating from the 6th century AD. It is the earliest known depiction of Jesus Christ as Pantocrator. The title “Pantocrator” ( or “Pantokrator”) means “Almighty”, “Ruler of all”. It is one of the most important works of Byzantine, Eastern Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Christian art. It may have been donated to St Catherine’s Monastery by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I on the occasion of its foundation.
Let’s have a look at the face of the divine Christ. The features on Christ’s left side (the viewer’s right) are said to represent the qualities of his human nature. His right side (the viewer’s left) represents his divinity. With his right hand, he sends his blessing to humanity. His left-hand holds a thick Gospel book. The letters IC XC represent His name. Christ’s gaze is stern but calm. The original surface was encaustic. This type of painting is also called “hot wax painting”, meaning that hot wax with pigments was applied to the surface.
Technical details:
• Icon painted in a Romanian Orthodox monastery by Nun Petronia;
• Excellence quality hand-painted icon;
• Natural pigments;
• 24K gilded and varnished;
• Icon painted on MDF Wood Board.The uniqueness of an icon:
• The original icon had only one spot with major damage, a large portion of Christ’s hair on his left side, including his left ear and shoulder.
• The encaustic surface of the original icon has continually been preserved in excellent condition overall
• The top and the sides of the original icon were cut.Need further information?
If you have any questions, please, do not hesitate to contact me, I’ll be glad to answer them.
