On this icon, set against a lovely background of
pale blue, Christ offers His blessings with His
right hand raised, while holding onto a book. The
text reads, "And those who suffered, the needy
ones who prayed to me, will achieve eternal
peace." An inscription on both sides of Christ's
shoulders states, "Lord Jesus Christ,
Pantocrator". Jesus' garments are very carefully
modeled and quite elaborate, as is His very neat
beard and hair. The use of a zigzag line for the
halo gives the impression of vibrating energy, as
if we are seeing Christ after the resurrection,
halfway between the human and divine. Ornate
floral decor in the background offers further
perspective, and reminds us of the garden at
Gethsemane where Christ faced one of His
greatest challenges. As an expression of faith
this icon represents the long tradition of fine
Russian artistry.
- (PF.5226)
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