The image of Christ the Pantocrator on the Throne is one of the most common subjects in Russian icon painting. In Yaroslavl, its heyday fell on the second half of the 17th century, when lots of new churches were erected in the city. To decorate the spacious interiors of those churches, icons were ordered from local and guest artists. The monumental image of Christ the Pantocrator on the Throne was ordered by the parishioners of the Fedorov Church of Yaroslavl when it was still under construction.

Jesus Christ is depicted in full growth sitting on the throne. The image is full of majestic calm; Christ appears as the Heavenly King and the judge, helper and patron. His right hand is raised for blessing, and in his left hand, he holds the open New Testament book.

The icon was created by a famous fresco and icon painting master Gury Nikitin, a representative of the Kostroma school. This is mentioned in the Tale of the Beginning of Conception and the Installation of the First Wooden Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The Tale also says that the image was located to the right of the Holy Gate, in a place clearly seen to parishioners. The legend says that the icon was once decorated with a chased silver crown with gilding which was created by the local master Dimitri Leontiev. The frame has not survived until nowadays.

For the color scheme of the icon, the artist used various shades of green, which was characteristic of the Kostroma school of icon painting. They are combined with rich red hues, and with bright varnishes. The artist carefully delineated the flowing folds of Christ’s clothes. The throne on which Jesus Christ is sitting is painted with complex floral ornaments and garnished with lush forged or carved decor. This richly decorated throne emphasizes the regal nature of Jesus, his omnipotence and power.

Gury Nikitin decorated the Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, and many other cathedrals in Kostroma and other Russian cities. In 1680, he was in charge of the painting works, which were performed at the Yaroslavl Church of Elijah the Prophet by Yaroslavl and Moscow masters.