Icon - Nicholas the Wonderworker - Wood

preserved in its original state, characteristic Ancient Imperial Russian Icon – Saint Nicholas – tempera on panel with punch-decorated gold ground – ca. 1880–1910
the work is attributed to the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th century (circa 1880–1910), the period of the Russian imperial era. The stylistic characteristics, the decoration with gold ground punched, the inscriptions in antique ecclesiastical Slavic handwritten, and the traditional construction of the panel are consistent with Russian production of the era. the saint is represented in a half-figure according to canonical Orthodox iconography, with the Gospel bearing handwritten inscriptions. The gold ground features rich ornamental work made by hand.
The surface shows layering of tempera, painted reliefs and natural craquelure compatible with the age. It does not show characteristics of printing or mechanical reproduction. the back reveals a thick panel with recessed wooden crosspieces according to traditional technique. The metal element for hanging is from a later period.
Conservation status:
There are losses of color and abrasions, mainly along the edges and in some central areas, consistent with the age of the work. No invasive modern restorations detected. The icon is preserved in its original state.