Pantocrator

("Christ the All-Powerful")



Christ in Glory, by Matthew D. Garrett 2007 Christ Pantocrator, by Matthew D. Garrett 1997 Christ in Glory, by Matthew D. Garrett 1998
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The icon of the Pantocrator (from the Greek: "Ruler of All"), showing Christ Enthroned in Heaven, takes several forms, depending on where they are displayed. The central version (above) would typically be rendered on a monumental scale as the central part of a dome composition in the church. Here, it was rendered as a 12 x 12 inch panel. The icons to its left and right are suitable as a standalone icons, large for an iconostasis, or on smaller panels.

The icon on the left, popularly known in Russian as "Savior in Power," the Creator and Redeemer of the universe is seen in the human features of the Incarnate Son of God. He is seated on the heavenly throne, blessing with his right hand and holding the Gospel Book in his left. An oval mandorla surrounds the Throne, and this overlies an octagonal square -- symbol of the future age. Cherubim fill the spaces, and the symbols for the four Evangelists fill the corners. It is based on a 20th-century Russian prototype with roots going back to St. Andrei Rublev. -- 12" x 16"

The icon on the right, another full-length Christ-Pantocrator, again appears enthroned on the Cherubim, with the symbols for the four Evangelists shown in the background. It is based on a prototype "Christ in Glory" by the 17th-cent. Cretan master, Emmanuel Tzanes. -- 9" x 12"

Christ Pantocrator by the hand of Matthew D. Garrett 2006