Christ in Majesty (Maiestas Domini)

I've always been at awe at this particular depiction of Our Lord. All the liturgical artists I admire - both classical and modern alike - have their own take on this ancient representation. So, I guess it's about time that I make one. 

This piece is especially inspired by the Byzantine icon of "Christ Pantocrator" or the ruler of the universe. Literally translated pantokrator means "Almighty" or "all-powerful," derived from one of many names of God in Judaism. In the Western iconographic development, this particular image is called Christ in Majesty, wherein Our Lord is depicted as seated on a throne as the ruler of all.  He is surrounded by an almond-shaped aureola called a mandorla or a vesica, and flanked by the traditional figures of the evangelists - St Matthew (upper left with the figure of a winged man), St John (upper right with the figure of an eagle), St Mark (lower left with the figure of a winged lion), and St Luke (lower right with the figure of a winged ox).

+ Side Note: 

I sketched and inked the background of Our Lord months ago, way before all craziness broke loose with the extended community quarantine to mitigate COVID-19. I finally had the chance to finish this after ages, and honestly quite satisfied with the colors and the result. I'm looking forward to creating more of these given all the time I have now working from home. I hope all of you guys are alright. Keep safe everyone!

+ FURTHER READING:

• Christian Iconography - Christ in Majesty
• Wikipedia - Christ in Majesty / Christ Pantocrator
• Wikipedia - Four Evangelists
• Catholic Resources - Symbols of the Four Evangelists

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