Icon - Wood - Saint Nicon of Radonezh

Russian Orthodox icon with the image of Saint Nikon (St. Nikon) of Radonezh.

Nikon was the closest pupil and successor of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, one of the most revered monastic saints in Russia.
He is depicted in a dark monastic habit with his right hand on his heart (a gesture of inner prayer and devoutness).
The icon is painted in an academic-realistic style typical of the late 19th and early 20th century (circa 1890–1910).

The background and the halo (a nimbus) are gilded with gold ground (gold leaf or gold paint) with a refined carved/incised decorative motif at the upper edge. The inscriptions in Church Slavonic give on the left and right the name of the saint (С҃ТЫЙ ПРП҃БНЫЙ НИКОНЪ).

Representation: Saint Nikon of Radonezh (Святой Преподобный Никон)

Origin: Russia Period: Circa late 19th / early 20th century (ca. 1890–1915)
Technique: Oil paint / tempera and gold leaf on wooden panel

Condition: Good, authentic state with a beautiful patina of age. Some light wear spots on the gold in the background field and edges, in keeping with the age.