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View Full Version : What is the Icon where Jesus has a different expression on each side of his face?

gtsecc
21st April 2005, 05:09 PM
He is the judge on one side, and nice on the other.
Rilian
21st April 2005, 05:15 PM
The Sinai Pantocrator. I believe the difference actually represents his two natures.
Vasya Davidovich
21st April 2005, 05:31 PM
I was told it was Christ in the Incarnation (the "first coming"), and Christ in the Second Coming.

So Christ as merciful saviour and Christ as judge.
Xpycoctomos
21st April 2005, 10:58 PM
That's what I was told too.
InnerPhyre
21st April 2005, 11:00 PM
Sinai Pantocrator. I have it on my wall :)


http://www.lts-orient.ch/31-sinai/Images/055-5.jpg

Just judge and merciful Savior.
Grand_Duchess-Elizaveta
21st April 2005, 11:04 PM
I was told it was Christ in the Incarnation (the "first coming"), and Christ in the Second Coming.

So Christ as merciful saviour and Christ as judge.
So, which side is the Merciful Savior and which is the Judge?
Xpycoctomos
21st April 2005, 11:15 PM
The left side (our left) I think is the merciful Saviour and the Right is... well, the other side ;)
Vasya Davidovich
22nd April 2005, 02:25 AM
So, which side is the Merciful Savior and which is the Judge?
Take a sheet of paper and cover half the icon.

The right side (your left) is the Merciful Saviour. He blesses you.

The left side (your right) is the Just Judge. He holds in His hand the Gospel by which we will be judged.

Take note of the differing expressions - left from right.

Modern icons combine the stern and the gentle in every line. The Sinai icon of Christ is an early attempt to combine the two, in its case with halves of the face, instead of carefully placed furrows, etc.
Michael the Iconographer
22nd April 2005, 07:06 AM
Modern icons combine the stern and the gentle in every line. The Sinai icon of Christ is an early attempt to combine the two, in its case with halves of the face, instead of carefully placed furrows, etc.

The Sinai Pantocrator dates to the 6th C A.D. and is one of the most ancient icons in existence (next, of course, to the Holy Mandylion of Edessa). It is also one of the most beautiful icons in existence!
Mary of Bethany
22nd April 2005, 11:29 AM
Oh my goodness! That's probably my favorite Icon and the one we have on the stand in our chapel, but I've never heard that, or noticed it. :doh:
Verushka
22nd April 2005, 12:56 PM
It is also one of the most beautiful icons in existence!
It truly is!! :)