Pantocrator
1
9.9
A picture in churches that shows Christ or God as ruler of everything
- noun
- /ˌpæn.təˈkreɪ.tər/
- Specialized
:
Pantocrátor
- Art historians study the symbolism in each Pantocrator image found in Byzantine churches.
Examples
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Visitors were awed by the golden Pantocrator above the altar.
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The mosaic of the Pantocrator dominates the ceiling of the ancient cathedral.
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The Pantocrator is powerful.
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Look at that Pantocrator!
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The mosaic of the Pantocrator dominates the ceiling of the ancient cathedral.
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Visitors were awed by the golden Pantocrator above the altar.
-
Art historians study the symbolism in each Pantocrator image found in Byzantine churches.
Surface Forms
Pantocrator singular
Pantocrators plural
Etymology
Pantocrator comes from the Greek parts pan- 'all' and kratos 'power', the same root found in democracy. A Pantocrator is an image or title that shows Christ as the 'ruler of all', which explains why these pictures look strong and central in churches.