Icon depicting scenes from the life of Saint Nicholas (lot 6), Southern Russia, 18th century
Icon depicting scenes from the life of Saint Nicholas (lot 6), Southern Russia, 18th century.
Egg tempera on panel and gold ground. Dimensions: 44.5 x 53.3 cm
Estimated price: 2,800.00/3,800.00 euros
Item accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
The image depicts a large Russian icon divided into multiple narrative registers. In the center stands Saint Nicholas, in full figure, frontally, blessing, with the typical white omophorion embroidered in black. Around the central panel are numerous scenes from the saint's life and miracles, painted in small rectangular panels: episodes from his childhood, his most famous miracles, acts of charity, miraculous interventions in aid of the innocent and persecuted.
The style, colors, and technique—egg tempera on panel with gold ground—are characteristic of Eastern European and Southern Russian production between the 17th and 18th centuries. The worn gold on the edges and the rendering of simplified architectures are typical of popular icons of that area.