Antique Russian Icon Saint Nicholas of Myra 31x26 cm, 19th Century with Brass Riza

Antique Russian icon depicting Saint Nicholas of Myra 31x26 cm, 19th century with a brass riza. Originating from Russia, this ancient icon portrays Saint Nicholas of Myra with a brass riza. Enriched from the early Byzantine icons between the 10th and 13th centuries, its iconography includes episodes set in Russia, like the rescue on the Dnieper River. Saint Nicholas is often portrayed half-length, wearing bishop's robes and the omophorion decorated with crosses, blessing with one hand and holding the Gospel with the other hand. The firm expression on his face, characterized by a high forehead with wrinkles, large concentrated eyes, thick eyebrows, and a short beard, symbolizes him as the defender of the Christian faith against heresy, as well as an exorcist and healer. Born in Patara in 280, Saint Nicholas became the bishop of Myra in Lycia, where he passed away between 345 and 352. During the Council of Nicaea, he strongly opposed the heretic Arius, being stripped of his episcopal insignia and imprisoned. However, Christ and the Virgin appeared to him, restoring his freedom and episcopal dignity, strengthening him in the true faith. The relics of this saint, revered in Europe and the Greek and Slavic world, were stolen from Myra in 1087 and taken to Bari, contested by Benevento. The adventurous sea transport and the motivations for the theft, justified by the desire to protect them from the Turks, gave rise to various literary narratives, at least four versions. The orthodox St Nicholas icon is delivered with a blue velvet case and accompanied by an evaluation conducted by a specialized expert.

Origin: Moscow.

Technique: egg tempera.

Materials: wood, levkas, brass.

Actual measurements: 31.3x26.2 cm.

Period: mid-19th century.