Christ Enthroned, Central Russia, 17th century

As Pantocrator, Christ is seated on a large throne, he makes a sign of blessing with his right hand, with his other hand he holds an open Gospel book with the Church Slavonic text from Matthew 25, verses 34-35:  Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For was an hungred, and ye gave...

Ex. Cat. Herbstaustellung 1977, Ilas Neufert Gallery, Munich, No. 55 De Wijenburgh, Echteld, Ikon – Inspired Art 1980, No. 82

The throne has been regilded and repainted in an Old Believers' workshop in the 18th/19th century. Possibly parts of the seraphim, the angels and the evangelist symbols have been repainted in this period as well. We would advise prospective buyers to view.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The celestial world, in which Christ is enthroned, consists of several cosmic layers that flow together. Combined, they symbolise the universe. The blue-green mandorla, in which several seraphim (six-winged angels) are hovering, refers to heaven. The outer red quadrilateral symbolises earth. In the corners of this quadrilateral the four evangelists' symbols are depicted: the angel for Matthew, the eagle for Mark, the lion for John and the ox for Luke. Each of these holds a Gospel book. The symbolism of these attributes originates in the vision of Ezekiel1, verses 5-10: 'Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot (...) And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side; and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.'  According to the Church Father Irenaeus of Lyon, the winged man or angel represents the coming of Christ as human, the eagle stands for the gift of the Holy Ghost that rests upon the Church, the lion is a symbol of Christ's power and the ox of his function as High Priest.

The composition of the Enthroned Christ Pantocrator developed in the 12th to 13th century in Byzantium and spread throughout Russia during the 15th and 16th century. In Russia the popularity of the theme is closely connected to the development of the iconostasis, of which Christ Enthroned actually forms the central part. To the left and right the Mother of God and John the Forerunner, together with other saints, turn in prayer towards Christ, who is seen as the judge of humanity at the end of time.

Our icon follows the Moscow iconographic type with Christ represented enthroned surrounded by various celestial spheres. The ochre coloured tunic and robe, highlighted with fine gold lines, are also typical features of the Moscow iconographic variant.

The throne of Christ has most probably been repainted in a refined and decorative style with scrolling foliage in a Palekh workshop in the 18^th century.