Christ
Christ
A pair with the Virgin Mary, standing
ΙϹ ΧϹ
- Technique
- Egg tempera and gold leaf on wood
- Dimensions
- 14.5 × 42 cm
- Status
- Completed · private collection
Why this icon
This icon was written after the standing Virgin Mary icon. Side by side, these two icons form a unified whole: Mary turns us towards her Son, while Christ welcomes us through his gaze and his gesture of blessing. Their presence together invites us to contemplate the bond between Mother and Son, at the heart of the mystery of the Incarnation.
About this icon
This icon depicts Christ standing, blessing and holding the book of the Gospels. It forms a pair with the Virgin Mary, written in the same format. According to my teacher, these two models belong to the Ukrainian iconographic tradition.
They draw on the language of Byzantine art, presenting Christ as Saviour and teacher. His raised right hand offers a blessing to the person contemplating the icon. The book recalls his word and his teaching.
His cross-shaped halo bears the Greek letters meaning “He who is”. The inscriptions ΙϹ ΧϹ abbreviate the name of Jesus Christ. His red tunic and blue mantle accompany the verticality of the figure. His frontal gaze and peaceful posture invite prayer and encounter.