Christ PantocratorTheophanes the Greek

Attributed to Theophanes the Greek (14th c.), the Christ Pantocrator fresco in the cupola of Moscow’s Annunciation Cathedral depicts Christ as the Ruler of All, blessing with one hand and holding the Gospel with the other. This symbolizes divine authority. Rooted in Byzantine tradition, the fresco reinforced the tsars’ God-given power, intertwining Christ’s sovereignty with their earthly reign in this private chapel of the tsars.