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Russian Christ Pantocrator Icon with Enameled Silver Oklad
- This Russian icon of Christ Pantocrator is protected by its elaborate gilt and enameled silver oklad
- The Pantocrator stands among the most enduring iconographic types in Orthodox Christianity
- The oklad overlays the panel with remarkable precision, leaving only the face and hands visible
- Such icons reflect a deeply rooted Russian Orthodox tradition in which precious metal coverings both protected and honored sacred images
- Get complete item description here
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Circa 1899
This refined Russian icon of Christ Pantocrator exemplifies the synthesis of devotional imagery and masterful metalwork that defines the finest works of the late Imperial period. The composition unites a rich oil painting with an elaborate gilt and enameled silver oklad, transforming the object into both a sacred image and a work of the jeweler’s art. The Pantocrator—Christ as the omnipotent “Ruler of All”—stands among. . .
Circa 1899
This refined Russian icon of Christ Pantocrator exemplifies the synthesis of devotional imagery and masterful metalwork that defines the finest works of the late Imperial period. The composition unites a rich oil painting with an elaborate gilt and enameled silver oklad, transforming the object into both a sacred image and a work of the jeweler’s art. The Pantocrator—Christ as the omnipotent “Ruler of All”—stands among the most authoritative and enduring iconographic types in Orthodox Christianity, reinforcing the object’s theological and cultural significance.
Christ is presented frontally, his solemn gaze engaging the viewer with intensity. His right hand is raised in blessing, while his left supports an open Gospel. The underlying painting bears a Church Slavonic inscription translated as “I am the Light of the World” (John 8:12), underscoring Christ’s role as the source of divine illumination.
The oklad overlays the panel with remarkable precision, leaving only the face and hands visible while enveloping the figure in a luminous field of gilded silver. Richly ornamented with engraved foliate motifs, cloisonné enameling and a radiant halo of stylized ornament, the mount protects the composition physically and symbolically. The open book on the oklad presents a second inscription translated as “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another, as I have loved you” (John 13:34). At the lower edge, the cartouche identifies the figure as “Lord Almighty.”
The production of such icons reflects a deeply rooted Russian Orthodox tradition in which precious metal coverings both protected and honored sacred images. By the 19th century, workshops specializing in silver mounts achieved remarkable technical sophistication, integrating enamelwork and repoussé decoration with exacting craftsmanship. The present example bears the kokoshnik mark used from 1899 with a standard of .875 silver. Icons of this caliber were often commissioned for private devotion or as significant gifts, embodying both spiritual and material value within Russian religious culture.
Bears the maker’s mark “ВШ"
12 1/4" high x 10 1/2" wide x 1 1/4" deep
Art and Religion: A Centuries-Old Relationship
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For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
