Icon - Nicholas the Wonderworker - Bronze

Russian Bronze Travel Icon – Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker – Enamel – 19th Century

Description

Beautiful Russian Orthodox travel icon dating from the 19th century, cast in bronze/brass and decorated with coloured enamel inlays.

The central figure depicts Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker (Saint Nicholas of Myra / Nikolai Chudotvorets). He is shown in episcopal vestments with a cross-decorated omophorion, raising his right hand in blessing while holding the Gospel Book in his left hand.

Above Saint Nicholas are representations of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, a characteristic feature of Russian iconography of Saint Nicholas. Additional saints are depicted along the sides.

Particularly attractive is the partially preserved blue, white and reddish enamel, creating a striking contrast with the warm patina of the metal. The finely rendered facial features, vestments, Cyrillic inscriptions and small surrounding figures demonstrate the detailed workmanship of the casting.

An integral suspension loop is present at the top. Small-format metal icons of this type were used as personal devotional and travel icons and were particularly widespread within the Russian Orthodox tradition.

Dating: 19th century
Origin: Russia
Subject: Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
Material: Bronze/brass with enamel
Technique: Cast relief with enamel inlays
Dimensions: approx. 6 × 5 cm
Provenance: Private collection, Freiburg, Germany

Condition

Good condition considering its age, with an attractive natural patina. Signs of age and use are present, including partial losses and wear to the enamel, as clearly visible in the photographs. The relief and its principal details remain very well defined. The reverse shows surface and working marks consistent with the manufacturing technique and age.

An attractive example of 19th-century Russian Orthodox metal iconography and an interesting collector's piece for enthusiasts of Russian icons and religious art.