Pantocrator

Matthew malthouse · 04 Dec 2008, 19:25 · from 2008-December.txt.gz

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From: calmeilles at gmail.com (Matthew malthouse)
Date: Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:25:37 +0000
Subject: (urth) Pantocrator
In-Reply-To: <W1080126807139531228411948@webmail36>
References: <W1080126807139531228411948@webmail36>
Message-ID: <49382EB1.4060709 at calmeilles.co.uk>

Son of Witz wrote:

> OrthodoxWiki is as good an example of the stuff I'm finding: "The
> word Pantocrator is of Greek origin meaning "ruler of all". Christ
> Pantocrator is an icon of Christ represented full or half-length and
> full-faced. He holds the book of the Gospels in his left hand and
> blesses with his right hand.
> 
> The icon portrays Christ as the Righteous Judge and the Lover of
> Mankind, both at the same time. The Gospel is the book by which we
> are judged, and the blessing proclaims God's loving kindness toward
> us, showing us that he is giving us his forgiveness.
> 
> Although ruler of all, Christ is not pictured with a crown or scepter
> as other kings of this world. The large open eyes look directly into
> the soul of the viewer. The high curved forehead shows wisdom. The
> long slender nose is a look of nobility, the small closed mouth, the
> silence of contemplation.
> 
> It is the tradition of the Church to depict "God is with us" by
> having the a large Pantocrator icon inside of the central dome, or
> ceiling of the church.

Two examples from Sicily.

Montreale  http://www.calmeilles.co.uk/pictures/20040507/pages/1012.html

Cefalu  http://www.calmeilles.co.uk/pictures/20040507/pages/1270.html


Matthew

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