227 - ICON OF SAINT NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER WITH SCENES FROM HIS LIFE ON A CYPRESS WOOD PANEL. RUSSIA, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY.

ICON OF SAINT NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER WITH SCENES FROM HIS LIFE ON A CYPRESS WOOD PANEL. RUSSIA, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY. An icon of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker with scenes from his life, executed on a cypress wood panel in Russia during the second half of the 19th century. The work represents a bright and solemn image of one of the most venerated saints of the Orthodox Christian tradition. The icon combines the intimate character of a private devotional image with the rich narrative tradition of hagiographical icon painting. The central panel depicts the half-length figure of Saint Nicholas according to traditional iconography: the saint is portrayed in episcopal vestments, with a gesture of blessing and holding the Gospel. In the upper part of the central field are the images of Christ and the Mother of God, emphasizing the spiritual significance of Saint Nicholas as a defender of the faith and miracle worker. Surrounding the central image are sixteen finely painted hagiographical scenes illustrating episodes from the life, deeds and miracles of Saint Nicholas. These include: the Nativity and Baptism of the saint, the instruction of the woman with the healed hand, learning to read, the ordination of the saint, his appointment as presbyter, the salvation of three maidens from poverty, the appearances to Emperor Constantine in dreams, the rescue of three men from execution, the miracle of Saint Nicholas concerning the three icons, the rescue of Demetrius from drowning, the salvation of the Athonite Patriarch from drowning, the deliverance of Basil’s son from the Saracens, the miracle of the impoverished tax collector, the Dormition of Saint Nicholas and the translation of his relics. The painting is distinguished by a refined chromatic balance, decorative unity and harmonious combination of the gilded background with the delicate miniature execution of the hagiographical scenes. The overall artistic composition demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship of an icon painter familiar with the traditions of the Mstyora school of icon painting of the second half of the 19th century. Dimensions: 35 × 30 cm. Material: Cypress wood panel, gesso ground, tempera, gilding. Condition: Good condition, with natural signs of age consistent with the period of creation and the technique of execution. Width: 30cm, Height: 35cm, Depth: 2.5cm, Weight: 2.060kg, Condition: Minor scratches, Material: Gilding, Wood, Tempera, ID: ID-ANTQ-7793