Rare pair of icons depicting the life of Saint Nicholas. Levkas and tempera on wood (restorations). Northern Russia, 16th century. One icon depicts St. Nicholas freeing 3 unjustly condemned prisoners, the other shows St. Nicholas appearing to Governor Eulavius while he slept. These scenes illustrate the story of the miracle of the three generals who had been sent by Emperor Constantine to stop an insurrection in Phrygia during a famine. Their mission accomplished, they were unjustly condemned and accused of treason by the governor of Constantinople, Eulavius. During their imprisonment, they prayed to St. Nicholas, who appeared to Constantine and Eulavius in a dream to reveal the truth. H: 38.5 cm - W: 31 cm and 34.5 cm

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