Christ Pantocrator
16th c.
tempera and gold on wood
36.5 x 28 cm
Inv. 56.581
In eastern orthodox art, Christ is most frequently represented as a teacher. The book in his hand refers to this role. His right hand is raised in blessing. The gold background symbolizes heavenly glory and joy. Icons were usually painted after prototypes according to very strict rules. For this reason, it is sometimes necessary to examine the wooden support in order to determine the age of a painting. The icon comes from Primate János Simor’s collection.
P.Cs.
