Russian
18th cent.
53x43.5x3cms
Undoubtedly a Church icon whose size and disproportionately large face would have been carried in ceremonial processions when not on display in the Church itself.
"Spas Jaroe Oko" [The Fiery Eye] is a shoulder length image of Christ that began making its appearance in Russian iconography in the 14th cent. Written in a style to show Christ less sensitively than in Pantocrator, Christ is shown with a tougher, stronger more virile visage reflecting his thirty-three years in the carpenter's shop and wandering prophet. His massive face,direct gaze, high forehead and thin lips rivet attention
