Item 42
The Lord Almighty
19th century
Egg tempera on wood panel
12” x 10.25”
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection

Here Christ is depicted as the “Lord Almighty (Gospod Vsederzhitel - Russian), Ruler of the Universe. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord, Who Is, Who Was, and Who Is to Come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). Christ holds a book of Gospels open to Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all Ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The halo attached to the riza displays the distinctive cross-halo inscribed with the Greek works HO ON, meaning “Who Is.” With his right hand, Christ delivers a blessing in the manner favored by the Old Believers.