Christ Pantokrator
It is one of the oldest Christian iconographic themes, frequently represented in the monumental art, where it adorns the central dome or the half-dome of the apse, icons and illuminations, especially in the frontispieces.
The term “Pantokrator” is the Septuagint Greek translation of two of the Hebrew names of God: “Lord of Hosts” and “Almighty”. It appears in “The Book of Revelation” meaning “God Almighty”. Although in the New Testament texts, “Pantokrator” does not designate Jesus explicitly, in canonic representations, due to the interdiction to represent God anthropomorphically, Jesus, as part of the Trinity, is invested with this attribute.
Iconographically, the composition of the theme is simple. Against a golden or pale blue background Jesus is depicted frontally, half-length, clad in a red or brown tunic and a draped mantle, usually blue. His uncovered right arm is raised in blessing. He holds the Gospel in his left hand. The codex may be closed or open.
It is one of the oldest Christian iconographic themes, frequently represented in the monumental art, where it adorns the central dome or the half-dome of the apse, icons and illuminations, especially in the frontispieces.
The term “Pantokrator” is the Septuagint Greek translation of two of the Hebrew names of God: “Lord of Hosts” and “Almighty”. It appears in “The Book of Revelation” meaning “God Almighty”. Although in the New Testament texts, “Pantokrator” does not designate Jesus explicitly, in canonic representations, due to the interdiction to represent God anthropomorphically, Jesus, as part of the Trinity, is invested with this attribute.
Iconographically, the composition of the theme is simple. Against a golden or pale blue background Jesus is depicted frontally, half-length, clad in a red or brown tunic and a draped mantle, usually blue. His uncovered right arm is raised in blessing. He holds the Gospel in his left hand. The codex may be closed or open.
