Icon from the Deësis Tier
by THEOPHANES the Greek, Egg tempera on wood, height 210 cm
Deësis (Greek, “entreaty”) in Eastern Orthodox art is the representation of Christ flanked by the intercessory figures of the Virgin and Saint John the Baptist and other saints. This icon represents Christ as the Pantocrator, the Ruler of All, enthroned with an open book of gospels in his left hand, while his right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing.