18th Century Orthodox Diptych Icon, Christ Pantocrator and Theotokos Eleusa.

Details

Description

This rare and authentic late 18th-century Orthodox folding diptych (known as a skladen' or traveling icon) is a portable devotional … Read more This rare and authentic late 18th-century Orthodox folding diptych (known as a skladen' or traveling icon) is a portable devotional masterpiece, hand-painted in traditional egg tempera and gold leaf on wooden panels (likely lime or poplar wood).
The left panel features Christ Pantocrator (the Almighty Ruler), depicted in half-length form with the classic blessing gesture of the right hand (two fingers together) and holding the open Gospel book adorned with geometric patterns and jewels in the left. Greek inscriptions IC XC flank the figure.
The right panel portrays the Theotokos Eleusa (Mother of God of Tenderness / Sweet Kiss), tenderly embracing and kissing the Infant Christ, who reaches up to touch her face. Traditional abbreviations MP ΘY (Meter Theou – Mother of God) are visible above.
The original metal hinges allow the diptych to close protectively like a book, safeguarding the sacred images during travel, military campaigns, or daily home veneration – a common practice among Orthodox faithful.
The painting exhibits the refined yet conservative style typical of the famous Palekh school, renowned in the 18th century for miniature precision, graceful linearity, rich polychromy (deep greens, warm reds, ochres, and glowing gold), and an inner luminous quality to the figures. The gold background (levkas and gold leaf) has developed a beautiful, deep patina over more than two centuries, complemented by authentic craquelure (fine age cracks), natural wear from devotional handling (especially on high-touch areas like faces and hands), and subtle losses that testify to genuine use rather than modern restoration.

Provenance:
Formerly in a European private collection; acquired on the Vienna antiques market (Austria). The object has been in Europe for several decades. See less