Description
A finely executed Russian Orthodox icon of Christ Pantocrator (Christ the Almighty), painted on a zinc plate and mounted in an elaborate silver oklad hallmarked in Moscow in 1862.
This small icon is distinguished by the exceptional quality of its painted image, with careful attention to the facial features, expression and subtle transitions of light and shadow.
Christ is depicted frontally, wearing a red tunic and a blue mantle. He raises His right hand in blessing and holds an open Gospel book in His left hand.
The face is painted with remarkable delicacy, showing softly modelled features, expressive eyes and finely rendered hair and beard. The treatment reflects the influence of academic religious painting, which became increasingly important in Russian icon painting during the 19th century.
The icon is painted on a zinc plate rather than the more traditional wooden panel. Metal supports were used in Russian religious painting during the 19th century, including in professionally commissioned church works. Zinc provided a rigid, relatively thin support suitable for detailed painting.
The combination of carefully executed painting and a substantial silver covering gives this small icon a particularly refined appearance.
SILVER OKLAD
The icon is mounted in a richly decorated 84-standard silver oklad, featuring finely engraved floral and geometric ornamentation.
The silver covering leaves the painted face, hands and other parts of the composition visible, while the garments and surrounding areas are enhanced by intricate metalwork.
The halo is decorated with radiating lines and ornamental details. The outer border features repeating engraved motifs that frame the central image.
SILVER HALLMARKS
The silver oklad bears Russian Imperial hallmarks indicating Moscow and the date 1862.
The marks include the Moscow city emblem depicting Saint George slaying the dragon and the traditional 84-zolotnik silver standard, equivalent to 875/1000 fineness.
The assay initials V.S. are commonly associated with the Moscow assay master Viktor Savinkov. Historical research notes, however, that attribution of certain V.S. marks may be complicated by several assay officials with similar initials.
The maker’s mark is tentatively read as “Л.Ч.” (L.Ch.) or “П.Ч.” (P.Ch.). The precise identity of the silversmith has not been established.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The image of Christ Pantocrator is among the most important subjects in Orthodox Christian iconography. Christ is represented as the ruler and judge of the world, holding the Gospel and blessing the faithful.
During the 19th century, Russian icon painters increasingly combined traditional religious iconography with the naturalistic modelling associated with European academic painting.
The present icon illustrates this artistic approach through its expressive portrait of Christ, carefully controlled shading and finely detailed execution.
Painting on zinc is a noteworthy feature of the work. Comparable Russian icons painted on zinc and mounted in silver coverings are documented from the 19th century, including examples from the 1860s.
Although the precise circumstances of this icon’s commission are unknown, the quality of its painting and engraved silver oklad suggest considerable attention to its artistic and decorative execution.
SPECIFICATIONS
Subject: Christ Pantocrator (Christ the Almighty)
Origin: Russian Empire
Silver oklad: Moscow, 1862
Painting: 19th century, precise date not independently established
Technique: Painting on zinc plate
Silver: 84 zolotnik (875/1000)
Assay mark: V.S., traditionally associated with Viktor Savinkov
Maker’s mark: Possibly Л.Ч. or П.Ч., unidentified
Decoration: Engraved silver oklad
DIMENSIONS
Height: 18 cm
Width: 13.5 cm
Depth: 1.3 cm
CONDITION
Antique condition with visible signs of age, surface wear, patination and age-related changes to the painted and silver surfaces. Please examine the photographs for details.
