This beautiful icon depicts Jesus Christ’s head
and torso carved on an oval shaped background.
Behind Christ’s head is a halo with stylized rays
of light which symbolize holiness and
enlightenment radiating outward from his head.
In his left hand he holds a scroll and his right
hand is raised in a gesture of benediction. Upon
the reverse of the icon is a cross whose arms
have ornate terminals. The naturalistic style in
which the face is rendered and the expression of
dignified serenity cannot fail to impress the
viewer with its w arm benevolence and spiritual
power and testify to the skill and sensitivity of
the anonymous artist who created this unique
work of art. This depiction of Christ as a teacher
of mankind and a redeemer of sinners possesses
a spiritual quality which transcends time and
appeals to the modern viewer and connoisseur as
it did to those who gazed upon it centuries ago.
- (FJ.5190)