Icon; early 19th century.

Icon; early 19th century.
“Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker.”
Painting and gilding on wood panel.
Measurements: 47 x 37 x 3 cm.
Icon depicting Saint Nicholas of Myra, the Wonderworker, in a half-length pose, clad in richly decorated episcopal vestments. The saint is shown in a blessing gesture with his right hand while holding an open Gospel in his left, a common attribute in depictions of him as a bishop and defender of the faith. At the top, flanking the saint and amidst clouds, are Christ and the Virgin Mary, who present the Gospel and the episcopal regalia, respectively—an iconographic motif found in numerous Russian depictions of Saint Nicholas and associated with his role as intercessor and protector of the Church.The composition is set against an ornate gold background, featuring chiseled decoration along the edges and incised elements.
Saint Nicholas of Myra is one of the most venerated saints in the Russian Orthodox tradition. As bishop of Myra in Lycia, his cult spread widely from late antiquity onward and became particularly associated with protection, charity, and intercession on behalf of the faithful’s needs.