Russian icon Saint Nicholas of Bari ancient XVIII century

Russian icon Saint Nicholas of Bari ancient XVIII century.Religious icon depicting Saint Nicholas of Bari, also known as Saint Nicholas of Myra, dating back to the 18th century and coming from Choluy in Russia.St. Nicholas of Myra was born in Patara in 280 but took its name from the city of Myra where he was bishop until his death, which occurred between 354 and 352 AD. Known as a staunch defender of the Christian faith, he was imprisoned for opposing the heretical bishop Arius during the Council of Nicaea but was released and readmitted among the bishops after an apparition of Christ and the Virgin. The saint's relics were stolen from Myra and brought to Bari in 1087 through a heroic undertaking by sea aimed at freeing the body from the hands of the Turks.The saint is depicted half-length and with bishop's robes, in a blessing attitude and with the Gospel in his hand. On his shoulders is placed the omophorion, the Orthodox pallium decorated with crosses. The face has a firm expression and is adorned with a short beard and thick eyebrows. Its icon is surmounted by Christ, the Madonna and local saints who pray for her intercession.This icon is painted with egg tempera on a thick wooden board measuring 35.5x31 cm, and is delivered accompanied by an export document and appraisal of an expert of the Cultural Heritage of Russia.