Collection Online
Christ as Lord of all

Christ as Lord of all
(17th century)

Medium
oil and gold leaf on canvas on wood panel
Measurements
53.0 × 45.5 cm
Place/s of Execution
(Greece)
Accession Number
1979-4
Department
International Painting
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1949
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Ms Carol Grigor through Metal Manufactures Limited
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work

The image of the Christ Pantocrator (‘Lord of All’) is one of the earliest and most iconic images in the Christian Church, found on early Christian mosaics and encaustic panels. The format is invariable, showing Christ in half length, holding the New Testament in his left hand and making a blessing with his right. The image projects a mild but stern, all-powerful judge of humanity. It sometimes features a subtle asymmetry to the gaze and set of the mouth, to reflect Christ’s dual humanity (divine and human). The gospel pages read, ‘Come unto Me, ye chosen of My Father’ (Matthew 25:34).

Subjects (general)
Human Figures Religion and Mythology
Subjects (specific)
Bible, New Testament (Biblical books, sacred texts) blessing (religious function) Christ Pantocrator (Christian theme) gods (deities) gold (colour) Jesus Christ (Christian character) men (male humans)