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Painting. Christ, the Unsleeping Eye. (Catholic tradition), inv. no. НДФ-5212: photo 1 of 5
Photo 1 of 5
Painting. Christ, the Unsleeping Eye. (Catholic tradition), inv. no. НДФ-5212: photo 1 of 5
Image 1 of 5
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Painting and graphics · Icons

Painting. Christ, the Unsleeping Eye. (Catholic tradition)

Inv. no. НДФ-5212 · Painting and graphics

Project: Sloboda Ukraine Code. Church Antiquities

At the center of the composition is depicted the sleeping Infant Christ on the cross, surrounded by the instruments of his Passion. His hips are wrapped in a white cloth; around his head is a golden radiance. Full description

Date
20th century
Material
Canvas, wood
Technique
Oil painting
Dimensions
72 × 53.5 cm

Photo: M. F. Sumtsov Kharkiv Historical Museum · CC BY 4.0

Description

At the center of the composition is depicted the sleeping Infant Christ on the cross, surrounded by the instruments of his Passion. His hips are wrapped in a white cloth; around his head is a golden radiance. In the lower part of the painting, on the right, are shown a hand, several nails, a hammer, pincers, the crown of thorns, a ladder, an unfurled scroll with the inscription "I.N.R.I." ("Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"), a golden chalice, and a spear. At the bottom of the cross is a depiction of a rooster beside a bouquet of flowers.

Legend: the icon "Christ, the Unsleeping Eye" (or "the Sleepless Eye") is a profound allegorical image in Christian art, symbolizing God's unceasing care for the world, and combining the themes of the earthly incarnation, the future martyr's death, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The faithful pray before this icon for the protection of home and family, deliverance from insomnia and night terrors, and the strengthening of faith.

Record

Inventory number
НДФ-5212
Title
Painting. Christ, the Unsleeping Eye. (Catholic tradition)
Collection group
Painting and graphics · Icons
Date
20th century
Material
Canvas, wood
Technique
Oil painting
Dimensions
72 × 53.5 cm
Digitisation
Project “Sloboda Ukraine Code. Church Antiquities”, 2026
Tradition
Catholicism

Updated 15 Oct 2026

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