Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum, National Archives & Records Administration.
Icon of Christ-Pantocrator
Artifact ID1981.04399.01
Object Type
Icon
Gifter
Svetlana Nenov
Date
19th c.
Medium
Wood, Metal (goldleaf), Enamel
Dimensions12 1/4 × 10 1/2 × 1 1/4 in. (31.1 × 26.7 × 3.2 cm)
Physical DescriptionThis is a 19th-century icon painted with gold leaf and enamel on a wooden panel. The image is of Christ holding an open book in his left hand, and his right hand is raised, showing two fingers. The figure of Christ is surrounded by a floral motif. On the back of the wood is an inscription written in black ink: "In God and the President we trust." The piece is entitled "Christ-Pantocrator."Historical NoteThis panel icon of gold leaf and tempera on wood was made in Russia in the 19th century. It is named Christ-Pantocrator (in Greek) meaning, Christ Almighty or Ruler of All. It was one of the earliest images of Christ depicted in the Early Christian Church, with the earliest known surviving example dating to the sixth century, and was often seen in Byzantine church art and architecture. It is a common image still in the Russian or Eastern Orthodox Church. The Pantocrator is portrayed with his right hand raised in blessing and a book representing the Gospels in his left. The icon was a gift from Svetlana Nenov of the Nenov Icon Gallery, who escaped the Soviet Union, and whose grandfather was a master artist who worked for Faberge. It was a gift to President Reagan after he was shot to help him heal. She sent to him after a service on his behalf at the Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Virgin in Hollywood, and the priest inscribed “In God and the President we trust.”
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Country/Culture
In Collection(s)
Related LinksMonday Minute: Icon of Christ