Icon - Nicholas the Wonderworker - Wood, Gold plated, Silverplated

This impressive and large antique Russian icon dates back to the 19th Century and features a classic hagiographical depiction (known as "with Vita" or "Zhitie") of one of the most venerated saints in Christendom – Saint Nicholas of Myra.

The central part (kovcheg) depicts a half-length portrait of Saint Nicholas dressed in episcopal vestments, blessing with his right hand and holding the open Gospel in his left. The central image is surrounded by 12 detailed border scenes, which narrate the traditional biographical events and famous miracles from his life, including his birth, baptism, ordination, and acts of divine intervention.

The icon is meticulously painted with traditional egg tempera on a solid wooden panel. A standout feature of this piece is its luxurious background execution: the background and nimbus are crafted from leaf silver covered with a golden lacquer (the traditional olifa on silver technique). This creates a deep, warm, and radiant golden glow characteristic of high-quality Russian icon workshops of the period.

The 12 border miniatures detailedly illustrate the most significant moments from the life and posthumous miracles of Saint Nicholas, reflecting his profound mercy and spiritual power:

1. The Birth of Saint Nicholas: Depicting the newborn baby who, according to legend, stood up unaided in his baptismal font, foreshadowing his future holiness.
2. The Baptism of Saint Nicholas: Showing the young Nicholas receiving the sacrament of baptism, accompanied by a priest and godparents.
3. Healing of the Woman with a Withered Hand: One of Nicholas's earliest miracles, demonstrating his spiritual gift of healing the sick and suffering.
4. The Schooling of Young Nicholas: A scene showing him being introduced to the study of Holy Scripture, where he astonished his teachers with his wisdom.
5. The Ordination as a Deacon: The beginning of his official ecclesiastical path, receiving the minor holy orders.
6. The Ordination as a Priest: Depicting Nicholas at the altar, receiving the priestly vestments and blessings from the bishop.
7. The Consecration as Bishop of Myra: A pivotal moment in his life, being consecrated as Archbishop of Lycia, dressed in full episcopal robes (phelonion and omophorion).
8. Saving Three Innocents from Death: The famous miracle where Saint Nicholas physically grabbed the executioner's sword to save three unjustly condemned men from decapitation.
9. Saving Three Poor Maidens (The Three Dowries): Saint Nicholas secretly throwing bags of gold through the window of a poor man's house at night to provide dowries for his three daughters, saving them from a life of destitution.
10. Saving the Drowning Demetrius from the Waters: The saint miraculously appearing over the water to pull a drowning pilgrim to safety, solidifying his status as the patron saint of sailors and travelers.
11. Deliverance of Agrikos' Son from Captivity: Nicholas rescuing a young boy from Saracen captivity, miraculously transporting him through the air back to his praying parents.
12. The Dormition (Death) of Saint Nicholas: The final scene depicting Saint Nicholas on his deathbed, surrounded by mourning bishops, priests, and believers, while angels receive his holy soul.

Origin: RussiaPeriod: 19th Century
Technique: Egg tempera on wooden panel, silver leaf under golden lacquer
Dimensions: 44.4 cm × 36.8 cm (an impressive, highly collectible larger format)
Condition: The icon is in very good antique condition corresponding to its age. There are only minor, localized areas of older retouching, which do not disrupt the overall composition or aesthetic value of the piece. The wooden panel is stable.

Highly Sought-After Motif: Hagiographical icons of Saint Nicholas with border scenes (s zitijem) are among the most desirable and collectible categories of Russian sacred art.
Representative Size: Measuring over 44 cm, this is a dominant, exhibition-sized piece that will perfectly anchor any high-quality icon collection or elegant interior.
Stunning Luminous Effect: The silver-gilt technique creates a mesmerizing spiritual atmosphere when interacting with natural light.