Russian school of the 19th century

Russian school of the 19th century.
"Scenes from the life of St. Nicholas".
Tempera on panel.
In good condition. With old crackles.
Measures: 44,5 x 37,5 x 3 cm.

Saint Nicholas of Myra has been represented in a frontal position and attitude of blessing in the center of the composition, which appears bordered of squares in which important events of his life are described in a synthetic way. Known as Saint Nicholas of Myra in the East and Saint Nicholas of Bari in the West, he was a bishop of the 4th century. He was born in Patara, in the region of Lycia (now within the territory of Turkey), into a wealthy Christian family, and as a child he stood out for his pious and generous character. After the death of his parents, Nicholas inherited a large fortune, which he put at the service of the needy. He then went to live in Myra, in Anatolia, where he was consecrated bishop. He was imprisoned by Emperor Licinius, and later freed by Constantine, and participated in the Council of Nicaea. An outstanding orator, he was always a defender of the weak against the powerful, a task in which, despite his advanced age, he acted with courage and vigor. Many miracles are attributed to St. Nicholas, and this copper refers specifically to one of them: the resurrection of three children who had been sacrificed to feed the customers of an innkeeper. St. Nicholas participated in the first Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, where Arius blasphemed against Jesus and Mary, in response to this Nicholas slapped him, so he was expelled from the council.