Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. Finely delineated in egg tempera and gold leaf on wood, an icon depicting the miracle-working St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the most widely revered saint in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, flanked by two patron saints, and with apparitions of Christ and the Theotokos (Mother of God) above. 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 as he gives benediction with his right hand and holds a Gospel in his left. A pair of saints and 2 angels additionally flank the holy figure while sumptuous patterns adorn his robes. Size: 12" W x 13.9" H (30.5 cm x 35.3 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 a focus for prayers and meditation for believers, icons serve as "windows into heaven."

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: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-B.H. collection, West Germany, acquired between 1985 - 1995

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#184763

Missing back slats. Professionally cleaned with some touching up to painted detail. Some splitting and repair to wood planks, as well as a few chips to paint and gesso. Otherwise, intact and excellent with rich patina throughout. Old inscription in Cyrillic on verso, as well as suspension hook for easy display.