Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. Finely painted in egg tempera on gesso and wood, an icon depicting the miracle-working St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the most widely revered saint in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Believed to possess special powers to protect the faithful, this archetypal Bishop and Saint is dressed in sumptuous episcopal vestments with a cross-adorned omophorion, holding the holy Gospel in his left hand while offering benediction with his right, as Christ and the Virgin Mary gaze upon him from the upper corners of the composition. Behind him is a traditional decorative background with an inscription that identifies him. Size: 10.25" L x .875" W x 12.125" H (26 cm x 2.2 cm x 30.8 cm)

Nicholas, a Greek bishop of Myra, Anatolia in the 4th century and one of the most beloved saints of the church, who served as an intercessor, performing miracles of healing and rescue, has an interesting history. A strong opponent of the heretical bishop Arius at the Council of Nicaea, Nicholas, after slapping Arius in the face, was denied his holy insignia and tossed in jail. However, Christ and the Virgin appeared to him and gave him back his freedom and his episcopal office. Here shown with a serious countenance, a high furrowed forehead, concentrating eyes framed by arched brows, and a short, gray beard, Saint Nicholas is portrayed as a staunch champion of the Christian faith, a defender against heresy, and a healer.

Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Found in homes as well as churches, these painted images depict holy persons and saints as well as illustrate scenes from the Scriptures. Icons are not worshiped, but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As such they are truly "windows into heaven."

Provenance: private California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#159690

Chips and abrasions to painted surfaces and peripheries of wood, but image is quite vivid. Losses to upper left side and lower left corner. Stable fissures to wood. Modern drawings on verso which could be sanded off if desired. Modern metal hardware attached for mounting.