The Ruler of All
Hand-painted icon of Christ Pantocrator
Pantokrator means «He who holds all things in his hands». It is the central icon of the Christian faith: the face of Christ who blesses and keeps the Book of Life. Concetta Basile paints it according to the Byzantine canon, on a gessoed panel with gold leaf.
The canon of the Pantocrator
Christ is shown half-length and frontal. With his right hand he blesses: the fingers form the letters IC XC, the Greek abbreviation of Jesus Christ, while recalling his two natures, human and divine, and the Trinity. With his left hand he holds the Gospel, closed and precious or open on a chosen verse.
The cross-inscribed halo bears the Greek letters Ο ΩΝ, «He who is», the name by which God reveals himself to Moses in the burning bush. The oldest surviving model is the Pantocrator of Saint Catherine's Monastery at Sinai (6th century); in Byzantine churches this image dominates the dome, from which Christ looks upon the whole world.
Garments and colours
- Red or purple tunic (chiton): divinity and kingship.
- Blue mantle (himation): the humanity assumed by the incarnate Word.
- Gold band on the shoulder: a sign of royal and priestly dignity.
- Gold ground: the glory of the Kingdom, a light that knows no setting.
Works from the atelier
Christ Pantocrator, round
Round panel with Greek inscription running around the border.
Christ, face
Close bust variant, green and gold halo.
Deesis triptych
Christ with the Mother of God and Saint John the Baptist, displayed in a study.
For the home, the study, the church
In the Eastern tradition the Pantocrator takes the place of honour in the home prayer corner, often beside the Mother of God. For churches, chapels and oratories, large and round formats are designed for their architectural setting, also as part of a Deesis or an iconostasis.
For a priest, a bishop or a religious community it is one of the most meaningful gifts for an ordination or an anniversary of ministry.
Frequently asked questions
What do the letters on the Pantocrator's halo mean?
Ο ΩΝ, «He who is», the divine name revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14). The letters IC XC beside the face abbreviate the name of Jesus Christ.
Can the Gospel be open with a verse of my choice?
Yes, within the Tradition: the open Gospel usually bears a verse such as «I am the light of the world» or «Come to me, all you who labour». The text is agreed during the commission, in the language you prefer.
What size is suitable for a church?
For churches and chapels formats usually start at 40×50 and 50×70 cm, up to bespoke sizes designed around the space, viewing distance and lighting.