Circa 1850 Antique Russian Icon of Christ Pantocrator — 175 Years Old

Dating to approximately 1850, this large antique Russian icon depicts Christ Pantocrator — Christ the Almighty, Ruler of All. Hand-painted in tempera upon a substantial wooden panel, this sacred image has survived for approximately 175 years and remains beautifully preserved for its age.

At an impressive 14" x 11" and weighing approximately 2.76 pounds, this is not a small devotional icon. It is a substantial piece with wonderful presence and the unmistakable character that comes only with genuine age.

Christ is depicted according to one of the oldest and most important traditions of Christian iconography: facing the faithful directly, His right hand raised in blessing and His left hand holding the open Holy Gospel.

The title Pantocrator means “Almighty” or “Ruler of All.” In this ancient form of Christian sacred art, Christ is presented as both Teacher and Lord — the eternal King and Savior who holds all creation in His care.

His raised hand is more than simply a gesture of blessing. In the Eastern Christian iconographic tradition, the positioning of the fingers is associated with the sacred abbreviation IC XC — Jesus Christ.

The open Gospel also carries tremendous significance. According to the accompanying documentation, the book bears Cyrillic lettering, another wonderful feature connecting the icon to its Russian Christian origins.

An Extraordinary Piece With Documentation!

Perhaps one of the most interesting features of this particular icon is the documentation that remains attached to its reverse.

It is accompanied by an older dealer guarantee/certificate identifying it as circa 1850, issued by AB Orima, Antique Rugs and Works of Art, Stockholm, Sweden.

The certificate identifies the piece as:

“ANTIQUE RUSSIAN ICON c. 1850”

It further describes the work as a delicately painted panel icon depicting the half-length figure of Christ Pantocrator, painted according to tradition on a brown ground, with Our Savior holding the open Gospel in His left hand and blessing with His right.

The document also specifically identifies the medium as:

“Tempera on panel. Cyrillic letters on the Book of Gospels. c. 1850.”

The fact that this older dealer documentation has remained with the icon adds another fascinating chapter to its history.

Nearly Two Centuries of Christian History

One of the most moving aspects of owning an antique religious icon is remembering that these objects were not originally created merely as decoration.

Icons were sacred images intended to draw the faithful toward prayer and contemplation of God. For generations, an icon such as this may have occupied a place of honor in a Christian home or other devotional setting.

Imagine the world through which this image of Christ has already passed.

Created around 1850, it predates the American Civil War. It survived the enormous political and social upheavals that transformed Russia and Europe during the late 19th and 20th centuries. At some point in its long journey, it made its way to Sweden, where it was handled by an antique art dealer, and eventually continued its journey to America.

And now, approximately 175 years after it was created, it awaits its next caretaker.

The wooden panel displays the beautiful surface character, patina and age-related wear one would expect from an object of this age while remaining remarkably well preserved.

Details

Subject: Christ Pantocrator

Origin: Russian

Date: Circa 1850, according to accompanying older dealer documentation

Age: Approximately 175 years

Medium: Tempera on wooden panel

Size: Approximately 14" x 11"

Weight: An impressive 2.76 pounds

Inscription: Cyrillic lettering on the open Gospel

Documentation: Accompanied by an older dealer guarantee/certificate from AB Orima, Antique Rugs and Works of Art, Stockholm, Sweden, identifying the icon as circa 1850

Condition: Beautifully preserved for its considerable age, with appropriate antique patina and evidence of age

This is not a modern reproduction, but an antique devotional work identified by its accompanying older documentation as dating to the mid-19th century.

A truly extraordinary piece for a Catholic or Christian home, private chapel, prayer room, sacred art collection, or collector of historic religious treasures.

There is something particularly beautiful about becoming the next caretaker of a sacred image that has already been preserved for nearly two centuries.

Only One Available.