ICON “CHRIST PANTOCRATOR” WITH SILVER OKLAD BY THE FIRM OF P.A. OVCHINNIKOV RUSSIA, MOSCOW, 1866
The icon “Christ Pantocrator” represents a high-quality monument of the Moscow icon-painting and silversmithing schools of the mid-19th century. The half-length image of Christ is executed in a strict academic canon, characteristic of the period, with restrained psychological expression and a balanced, harmonious composition. Christ is depicted frontally, with a blessing gesture of the right hand and an open book in the left, emphasizing His image as Judge and Teacher.The painted panel was executed by a professional icon painter on a wooden board with gesso, using egg tempera. The face is distinguished by soft modeling, refined detailing, and a harmonious palette rooted in the academic traditions of Moscow workshops. The golden background enhances the sacred significance of the image and reinforces its liturgical presence.The silver-gilt oklad is an outstanding example of Russian goldsmithing and belongs to the early period of the renowned Moscow firm of Pavel Akimovich Ovchinnikov. Crafted from 84 standard silver, the oklad is decorated with an elaborate ornamental design executed using hand engraving with a burin, chasing, matting, piercing, and gilding. Radiant rays, ornamental frames, and decorative motifs demonstrate the exceptional craftsmanship and artistic refinement characteristic of Ovchinnikov’s production of the 1860s.This icon is a rare and early example of ecclesiastical art created in the workshop of a future Supplier to the Imperial Court and possesses significant artistic, historical, and collectible value.Materials: Icon: Wooden board, gesso, egg tempera, velvet (reverse). Oklad: Silver 84 standard, gilding, chasing, matting, piercing, hand engraving with a burin, grinding, polishing, assembly.Marks: Full hallmark of the firm of P.A. Ovchinnikov, Supplier to the Court of Tsarevich Alexander Alexandrovich; assay mark with the initials “A.S.” above the date “1866,” corresponding to the assay master Alexander Svechin (active 1862–1875); Moscow city assay mark depicting Saint George slaying the dragon in a rectangular shield with clipped corners; silver standard mark “84.”Dimensions: Height: 26.5 cm. Width: 22.5 cm.Condition: Good collector’s condition. Minor traces of age consistent with the period. The painted surface and silver oklad are well preserved, without losses or deformation.Provenance: Private collection.
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