Icon - Saint Charalambos - Wood

Description:

Icon painted on a wooden panel, depicting a saintly bishop (recognizable by his omophorion — the cross-adorned stole he wears around the neck and that hangs in front) and his episcopal mitre/crown.
He holds a book or a liturgical object.
In the upper right corner appears a small secondary figure, probably Christ blessing or an angel, as is often the case in Orthodox iconography.
The gold background is decorated with small pierced floral or star motifs (the dotted or punched background technique), typical of Russian or Balkan icons from the 18th–19th centuries.
The Cyrillic inscription on the back, “Св. Хараламп…” (Sv. Kharalamp…), possibly designates Saint Charalampe.
He was a priest and then a Christian bishop in Magnesia in Asia Minor, a hieromartyr in the early 3rd century, commemorated on February 10, and considered the eldest of Christian martyrs.
He also appears in texts under several spellings: Charalambos, Haralampus, Haralampos, Haralabos or Haralambos.
Iconographically, he is traditionally represented in priestly garments, holding the Gospel in hand — which exactly matches your panel: an elderly bearded figure, episcopal mitre, omophorion, holding a book. This detail of the white beard and advanced age aligns with the tradition that says he died at a hundred.
Estimated period: 18th century, more likely the second half (1750–1800), with a possibility that it extends to the very beginning of the 19th century.
Condition: The painted layer shows some wear (cracking, losses), typical of an old icon authentically venered/kissed by the faithful — icons of protectors against illness were often heavily handled.
The back has a nailed leather strap.
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