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Pantocrator (Maker of All Things)
 Monastery
of St. Catherine, Mount Sinai, 6th century
Written by Paula
Howard, OSB
Mount St. Scholastica, October 2001
Sometimes called "The Icon of Christ"s Blessing," this
icon shows Christ holding the jeweled Book of the Gospels while His
right hand is raised in blessing. The original has been authenticated
as dated from the 6th century, the earliest extant icon
of Christ. Because, the naturalistic look contrasts with other
icons of the Byzantine period, the unknown iconographer is believed
to have been influenced by Greek art of that time. The image
carries details of all early icons, however, notably the short forked
beard and mustache, the abundant head of wavy hair, and the arched
brows. This icon conforms to the type that aspires to show Christ as
God-Man. The unfixed gaze of the eyes show Christ as God, looking
to eternity. The natural features of the face and the tender
expression show the mystery of Christ, a human being like one of us.
An
inscription meaning "the lover of humankind" was
later added to this icon by some unknown admirer.
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