Remains of wire hinges on the edges suggest the image was once a triptych. Almost certainly this would have represented the Deesis with the figures of the mother of God and St John the Baptist both facing inwards, interceding on behalf of humanity.

Christ is shown half-length as the Pantocrator, the ‘Ruler of All’ or more commonly in the West Christ in Majesty, calling the viewer with his compassionate gaze. His right hand raised in blessing, his left hand on he orb representing the cosmos over which he rules.

The sombre green and red ochre colours and the twisted-rope carving on the border suggest a Balkan, probably Macedonian workshop where the traditions of Constantinople were maintained for more than two hundred years after Byzantium fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453. Despite some wear and tear it is apparent that the panel is unusually finely crafted. The entire ground was once gilded over red bole. Most telling of all is the haunting depth of Christ’s gaze, the call to consciousness and the higher life. Mount Athos is the likely origin for icons of this quality.