The original Holy Icon of Christ Pantocrator is one of the oldest surviving Byzantine-style icons, dating from the 500s AD. It is the earliest known surviving depiction of Jesus Christ as Pantocrator (Greek for "ruler of all") and is widely regarded as one of the most important and recognizable works in the study of early Christianity. Our icon here is a recreation of the original, located at Saint Catherine's monastery in the Sinai desert in Egypt. The original is believed to have been produced in the Roman capital of Constantinople and sent to Saint Catherine's Monastery as a gift â the monastery enjoyed significant patronage from the imperial capital for many years. Because the icon was safely held in the dry desert of the Sinai, it avoided the iconoclasm of the 700s and 800s AD, thus making it one of the few pre-iconoclasm icons surviving to the modern era. Many experts in iconography agree that the icon was written to represent the dual nature of Christ, both God and man: His features on His right side (viewer's left) represent the qualities of His human nature, while His left side (viewer's right) represent His divinity.
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This icon is made of solid, natural Limewood that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background is comprised of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece.
All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere.
Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here.
Our most popular dimensions are pictured, to scale.
Depending on the size and theme, Holy Icons are available in both Recessed and Level styles.
RECESSED
The groove in our recessed icons adds depth to the Iconography, making the icon even more dramatic and impressive. In order to keep the relative proportions, the depth of the groove changes with the size of the Holy Icon.
LEVEL
Level icons allow the Iconography to retain its boldness even in smaller sizes. As such most of our level icons have smaller dimensions.
Backside details vary with icon size and serve to ensure that your Holy Icon will stand the test of time.
Solid wooden icons of larger dimensions are prone to bending and damaging as time passes. Fortunately, our Holy Icons are supported by two additional, horizontal wooden protective panels on the backside. These panels bolster the icon and allow it to sustain its shape, ensuring that your Holy Icon will remain in its original, pristine condition as it is passed down from generation to generation.
Icons of smaller dimensions are naturally sustainable over time, and experience less structural stress. As such, you will find that the backside of smaller Holy Icons is flat and proportional to their shape.
