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Russia, ca. 19th c. CE. Miniature icon finely delineated in egg tempera w/ a brass oklad that is painted to complement the image of the miracle-working St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the most widely revered saint in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, flanked by saints. Believed to possess special powers to protect the faithful, this archetypal Bishop and Saint is fitted with a repousse halo and dressed in sumptuous episcopal vestments, w/ a cross adorned omophorion, giving benediction w/ his right hand, holding a Gospel in his left. Size: 2.25" W x 2.75" H (5.7 cm x 7 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.

This icon most likely was kept in someone’s home. According to Jeanne Marie Warzeski, scholar and curator of the "Windows into Heaven" exhibition at the North Carolina Museum of History, "In the early Byzantine Empire, the home became the primary base for the development of icon veneration. Throughout the ensuing centuries, icons continued to receive honor in homes and churches. To this day, many Orthodox Christians create for prayer and meditation in their home a krasny ugol, or “beautiful corner,” where family icons are placed. Guests entering a house customarily honor the icons in the corner by crossing themselves before the objects. An oil lamp is set near the icons and is lit daily, according to Orthodox tradition."

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 a focus for prayers and meditation for believers, icons serve as “windows into heaven.”



Provenance: Ex-Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, NC

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#119561

Only minor surface wear. Canvas on verso shows tears. Nice decorative brass suspension ring probably original.