Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 19th century CE. A beautiful icon of Pantocrator Christ with a brass oklad cover (also riza or oclad which literally means trimming), a gilded border, and a glass-fronted wooden kiot. The icon depicts Christ delivering a blessing and holding an open book of Gospels. The oklad is extensively embellished, the halo finely detailed with engraved rays and a skillfully cut openwork border, the holy book with engraved passages, the image identified with an inscription at the bottom center. A fine example with a beautifully painted image and an attractive ornamental oklad that is additionally protected within a glass-fronted wooden kiot. Also notable, the gilding gracing the border is comprised of 50% gold. Size: 8.25" W x 9.5" H (6 cm x 21 cm x 24.1 cm)

The most accepted translation of Pantocrator is "Almighty" or "All Powerful" and the visage of Jesus certainly projects his omnipotence. This iconic depiction continues to be a central icon of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Christ gazes beyond the confines of the image, his visage finely delineated with naturalism that harkens back to the Renaissance, this in contrast to the stylized engraved oklad – resulting in a rich balance between naturalism and spiritual transfiguration.

The oklad or riza, sometimes referred to as a revetment in English, is a metal cover (this example made of brass) that not only protects the icon, but also serves to honor or venerate the figure(s) depicted on the icon. Oklads are usually adorned with engraving and/or repousse work and pierced to reveal elements of the underlying painting. This brass oklad is also complemented by a gilded border with gilding comprised of 50% gold.

Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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#158253

Minor surface wear to the painted image, oklad, and border. Wooden kiot shows some expected age wear, but it is intact and has its latch and display hook. Textile on verso of icon shows age wear. Gilded moulding is secured to icon with a modern screw that is located behind the border, so not visible when displayed.