St Nicholas icon antique Russian 45x35 cm hand painted

St Nicholas icon antique Russian 45x35 cm hand painted.
Original ancient icon from Moscow, dating from the 19th century, depicting Saint Nicholas of Myra, popular both in Europe and in the Greek and Slavic world. The relics of this saint were stolen from Myra in Bari in 1087, which then disputed them in Benevento. There are many versions in literature that tell of the adventurous journey of transport by sea and the reasons for the theft. St. Nicholas was born in Patara in 280, was bishop of Myra, in Lycia, where he died between 345 and 352. At the Council of Nicaea, he vigorously opposed the heretical bishop Arius, and was stripped of his sacred insignia and imprisoned, but Christ and Virgo appeared to him, restoring his freedom and episcopal dignity, confirming him in the true faith. His classic iconography portrays him from the waist up, in bishop's robes, wrapped in an omorphorion adorned with crosses, blessing and with the gospel open in his hand. The firmness of the face, the high forehead furrowed with wrinkles, the large concentrated eyes marked by thick eyebrows, the short beard, make Nicola the image of the defender of the Christian faith against heresy as well as the exorcist and the healer.This St Nicholas icon is made on an antique wooden tablet treated with levkas and hand painted with egg tempera. It measures 43x35.5 cm and is equipped with a ring on the back for hanging. It is accompanied by an appraisal drawn up by an expert.Delivered in an elegant blue satin case.