Icon - Nicholas the Wonderworker - Wood

Saint Nicholas of Myra (Saint Nicholas of Bari). Russian Orthodox icon
The image depicts Saint Nicholas of Myra, known in the West as Saint Nicholas of Bari, one of the most venerated bishop saints of the Orthodox Church.

He is recognized by his mature face, broad forehead, grey hair and abundant beard, as well as by his episcopal vestments.
Iconographic description
- Saint Nicholas: shown face-on, with a serene expression and direct gaze, following the hieratic tradition of Byzantine and Russian iconography.
- Golden halo: surrounds his head and symbolizes holiness and participation in the divine light.
- Episcopal vestments: he wears liturgical garments in dark colors adorned with numerous crosses, indicating his status as bishop.
- Gospel book: he holds a closed red volume, with a gold cross on the cover. It represents the Word of God and the teaching of the faith.
- Blessing: the right hand is raised in the traditional blessing gesture of Oriental bishops.
- Christ and the Virgin: on both sides of the head appear two small medallions. Christ, to the viewer’s left, and the Mother of God, to the right, form part of an iconographic motif associated with Saint Nicholas. In traditional depictions, Christ gives him the Gospel and the Virgin the omophorion, symbols of his spiritual authority.
Inscriptions
At the top there are inscriptions in Cyrillic characters. The main inscription identifies the saint as Saint Nicholas.
Style and approximate dating
The panel presents a gold background, a dark red frame, and a frontal composition characteristic of traditional Russian icons. The geometrization of the vestments, the decorative crosses, and the schematic treatment of the face are typical of a tradition of Byzantine origin.