Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 1799 CE. A beautiful Russian Orthodox icon depicting Saint Nicholas of Myra, the Wonderworker, a faithful shepherd and bishop who was bestowed the title of saint even before his death due to his immense holiness and watchful care of his flock, flanked by apparitions of Christ and the Virgin Mary (see discussion of their relationship to St. Nicholas below) in egg tempera and gold leaf on wood and fitted with a stunning gilded silver border and halos. St. Nicholas holds the holy book in his left hand and raises his right hand in blessing. The silver frame is intricately decorated in repousse floral, grape cluster, and vine motifs. St. Nicholas's halo is beautifully detailed with an openwork, chased border surrounding an elaborate crown impressed with crosses, and stamped with A. Yashinov's maker's mark of "A" and a reversed "R", an assay of 84 (sterling), the year 1799, as well as the St. Petersburg hallmark. Size: 10.75" W x 13.25" H (27.3 cm x 33.7 cm)

Alexsandr Ilyich Yashinov was an active silversmith from 1795 to 1826. His work displays expert technique and the utmost artistry. Saint Nicholas was a strong opponent of the heretical bishop Arius at the Council of Nicaea; after slapping Arius in the face, Nicholas was stripped of 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. The visages of each figure are painted with impressive naturalism, their vestments intricately patterned, making for marvelous contrasts between figure and ground. A marvelous icon of St. Nicholas, the memorable archbishop of southern Asia Minor in the 4th century who inspired Santa Claus legends and imagery!

Provenance: private Francis & Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina USA

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#119500

Gilded silver frame shows small areas of loss, minor bending, a few tears, and some loss to gilding. The painted image shows some expected losses to pigment and gold leaf, but is in overall very good condition with areas of craquelure.