Visual Source 10.1: Christ Pantokrator

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Visual Source 10.1, among the oldest icons in existence, dates from the sixth century and survived the destruction of icons during the century of iconoclasm. In contrast to many images of the suffering Jesus on the cross, this icon belongs to a tradition of icon painting that depicts Jesus as Christ Pantokrator, a Greek term translated as “Almighty,” “Ruler of All,” or “Sustainer of the World.” Wearing a dark purple robe and surrounded by a halo of light, Jesus holds a copy of the gospels in his left hand. Notice that Jesus’ right hand is raised in blessing with the three fingers together representing the trinity and the two remaining fingers symbolizing the dual nature of Christ, both human and divine. Many observers have suggested that this important theological statement of Christ’s divine and human nature is also conveyed in the asymmetrical character of the image.

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Visual Source 10.1 Christ Pantokrator (Ancient Art & Architecture Collection, Ltd.)
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