Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. mid 19th century CE. Finely painted in egg tempera and varnish on linen and wood and covered with a beautiful brass oklad (riza or oklad, literally meaning trimming), an icon of Christ Pantokrator, Lord of the Universe, holding an open holy Gospel in his left hand, the fingers of his right hand giving benediction, arranged to form the initials of Christ's monogram, IC XC T. The oklad embellishes the image with a meticulously cut and engraved nimbus, lovely robes in repousse, the open book, a background comprised of vertical wavy lines, and an integral frame adorned with stylized geometric patterns. Size: 7" W x 8.75" H (17.8 cm x 22.2 cm).
The oklad or riza, sometimes referred to as a revetment in English, is a metal cover, in this case brass, that not only protects the icon, but also serves to honor or venerate the figure(s) depicted on the icon. Oklads are usually adorned with repousse work and pierced to reveal elements of the underlying painting. This artisan truly knew how to bring brass to life in a manner that both complements and uplifts the painted image.
Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Found in homes as well as churches, these painted images depict holy persons and saints as well as illustrate scenes from the Scriptures. Some icons, like this example, are encased in metal covers (oklads). Icons are not worshiped, but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As such they are truly "windows into heaven."
Provenance: ex-Francis & Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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#119465
Condition
Some bending to rays of nimbus. Painting shows areas of craquelure and slight loss, but overall very good. Oklad shows some bending and wear.