Icon - Nicholas the Wonderworker - Wood - hand-painted

Saint Nicholas of Myra – Byzantine-Orthodox Icons Painting on Wood (21st Century)

The present object is a contemporary icon depicting Saint Nicholas of Myra in the traditional iconography of an Orthodox bishop. The work is executed on a solid wooden panel and follows the Byzantine formal language, but the painting shows modern influences and an individual handwriting in its execution.

Object history and context: The depiction of Saint Nicholas is one of the most widespread motifs in Christian art, especially in Eastern European and Mediterranean regions. Nicholas is depicted here as a miracle worker and bishop. The back of the panel shows a simple hanging device and a handwritten price tag ("115"), which points to acquisition in an art trade or on a specialized market.

Physical condition: The panel measures approximately 22.5 cm in height and 16.5 cm in width. The wood thickness is estimated at 1.5 to 2 cm. It is a multi-layer wooden board (plywood or plywood board), which is typical for modern icons of this kind to prevent warping of the image carrier.

Analysis of the artistic representation
The icon follows a strict iconographic canon, but renders it in a very vibrant color:

Central figure – Saint Nicholas: Depicted as an older man with a high bald head (symbol of wisdom) and a short grey-white full beard. The gaze is directed directly at the viewer, creating a meditative connection.

Liturgical garments: The saint wears the Phelonion (liturgical robe) in a vivid red-violet, covered with gold-colored cross motifs. Over it lies the white Omophorion (bishop’s stole), decorated with four large black (here dark-gold/brown shaded) crosses – the unmistakable sign of his episcopal dignity.

Attributes: In his left hand he holds the Gospel book adorned with jewels and a central cross. The right hand is raised in a blessing gesture (here slightly obscured or indicated in a supportive position by holding the book).

Iconography and graphical design
The design uses a strong symbolism of color:

Background: An intensive, bright azure blue forms the backdrop. The irregular color structure (stippling) gives the background an almost atmospheric depth, setting it apart from the flat gilding of classical antique icons.

Nimbus (halo): The head is encircled by a circular halo accented with gold paint. The execution here is more painterly-rustic than finely chiseled.

Color psychology: The combination of the cool blue background and the warm red-violet of the robe creates a high visual dynamism, making the saint almost step out of the picture space.

Technique and execution
The object is a hand-painted work, presumably using acrylic or tempera paints on wood.

Painting style: The color application on the face and beard is fine and glazes, while the robe and background have a rather paste-like, almost expressionistic ductus.

Gilding: Gold bronze or leaf metal was used to highlight the edges of the halo and the ornaments on the Gospel book.

Support: The edges of the wooden panel are irregularly finished, giving the object a hands-on, aged character (retro effect).

Dating and classification
Due to the material choice (plywood panel) and the specific color palette, the work is dated to the early 21st century. It is a modern reception of classical icon art, as it is often produced in monastery schools or by specialized artists for private use and the devotional trade.

Material condition and collectible assessment
The condition of the object is described as very good:

Front: The paint layer is stable, there are no cracks (craquelé) or flaking visible. The colors look fresh and lightfast.

Back: The wood structure is sound, there are no signs of pest infestation or drying cracks. The rear hanging is stably mounted.

Market value analysis and outlook 2026
Modern icons of this quality are primarily valued for their decorative value and the craftsmanship involved.

Criterion – Evaluation – Influence on value
Artistic quality – Solid craftsmanship – Moderate
Condition – Nearly flawless – Positive
Material value – Standard (wood/acrylic) – Neutral
Market trend – Steady interest in sacred art – Stable

Summary for the archive

This object is a characteristic example of the vibrant tradition of icon painting in the 21st century. It combines the centuries-old symbolism of the Orthodox Church with a modern, color-rich aesthetics. An appealing piece for collectors of religious small works or as a high-quality devotional item.

Title
St. Nicholas of Myra – Contemporary Icon on Wood, Hand-painted, 21st Century

Object
Hand-painted icon on a wooden panel.
Dimensions: approximately 22.3 × 16.5 cm.

Thickness of the wooden panel: 0.65 cm

Material: wood, mixed technique (likely acrylic/tempera), gold accents.

Please note regarding the assessment of the measurements: refer especially to the photos (I have often photographed the measurements with a tape measure). The measurements are often imprecise in electronic processing and can be extracted incorrectly in descriptions – please inquire again before purchase if exact measurements to the millimeter or centimeter are very important to you.