50 - Saint Nicholas of Myra (Nicholas the Wonderworker) - Late 19th century

Saint Nicholas of Myra (Nicholas the Wonderworker) - Late 19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 31 x 25.5 cm Here, he is depicted in his traditional and majestic role as a wonder-worker (thaumaturge) and archbishop. The saint’s monumental figure appears as a half-length portrait at the center of the composition, distinguished by a characteristically high, broad forehead—a symbol of profound theological wisdom—and a finely rendered, grey-white beard. Saint Nicholas wears solemn episcopal liturgical vestments, most notably a wide, emerald-green omophorion adorned with prominent black Greek crosses outlined in gold, draped over an ochre-gold phelonion richly highlighted with dense, fine gold lines (*assist*). In his left hand, he holds a massive, closed Book of the Gospels, embellished with a painted, gem-studded binding in shades of red and gold; his right hand is raised in a solemn gesture of blessing, following the Orthodox rite. Flanking the large golden halo, within two circular medallions (clipei), the miracle of Nicaea is portrayed: on the left, Christ the Savior offers the Book of the Gospels to Nicholas, while on the right, the Mother of God presents him with the omophorion, thereby legitimizing his episcopal dignity following his temporary deposition by a church council. The icon is further distinguished by the narrative richness of its side margins (kovčeg), which feature finely executed full-length depictions of four intercessory saints and family patron saints, arranged in stacked registers: on the left, one can identify the Guardian Angel (Angel Chranitel') at the top and a holy ascetic monk below; on the right, there appears a female martyr (likely Saint Barbara or Saint Catherine) alongside a second holy monk. From a stylistic perspective, the work reveals a painterly execution characteristic of a high-level devotional tradition, evident in the precise, geometric definition of the facial features and the skillful rendering of highlights on the garments. H.E. Most Rev. Francisco-Javier Lozano Sebastián, Titular Archbishop of Penafiel and Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus. Item condition grading: **** good.The lot is in a good state of preservation with the normal wear and defects commensurate with its age and use over time. Minor restorations.