THE SAVIOR
The first half of the 16th century
The icon reflects Rublëv’s pictorial features, the Pantokrator (the Creator of all things) appears with an open Gospel in his hand and with his right hand lifted in blessing.
We read in the Gospel that symbolizes the holy judgement on world: "Do not judge only by appearances but follow justice, as you will be judged according to you judgements" (c.f. Matt. 7,1-2). Moreover the open book also means God’s revelation through Christ who is the only one able to show the sense of history, by revealing his Father’s will for salvation (c.f. Ap. 5,1-7). The uplifted hand in blessing shows his holy mercy in the word incarnate, so his judgement will therefore be a merciful one. In faet, this icon is almost always called "the Saviour’s icon", independently from his function of judgement which can be more or less apparent. In Christ’s halo, the outlines of the cross are drawn where you can read the Greek inscription "The One Who Is" referring to the Divinity of Christ. The iconographic painter tried to reveal the unique reality of a man like-God in his intensely expressive face with a high forehead, well-marked eyebrow ridges, deep thoughtful eyes and tight lips closed in wise silence suggesting a listening dimension. The colour of his clothes reflects the divine human nature of God’s son: the royal purple cloth is hidden beneath a dark blue mantle, a symbol of his humanity.