Antique Russian icon St Nicholas of Myra with gold background, XIX century 35x30 cm

Antique Russian icon St Nicholas of Myra with gold background, XIX century 34.7x30.5x2.7 cm.
The iconography of this relic represents Saint Nicholas in half-length wearing bishop's clothes while he is wrapped in the omorphorion adorned with crosses, blessing the gospel in his hand. The firmness of his face, the high forehead furrowed by wrinkles, large concentrated eyes marked by thick eyebrows and short beard are the particular characteristics of the image of St Nicholas. He is depicted as the defender of the Christian faith against heresy as well as the exorcist and the healer.
The relics of this popular saint both in Europe and in the Slavic and Greek world, were stolen from Myra in Bari in 1087 who then contested them in Benevento. There are several literary versions, according to one them, Nicholas, born in Patara in 280 du bishop of Myra in Licia where he died in 352. As the story goes it is said that he opposed the council of Nicaea to the heretical bishop Arius and is consequently stripped of his sacred insignia and imprisoned, but then is freed by Christ and the Virgin who appeared to him giving him back the freedom and dignity of the bishop and confirming him in true faith.
Origin: Moscow, Russia
Technique: Tempera - gold background
Materials: wood - levkas
Measures: 34.7x30.5x2.7 cm
Period: second half of the 19th century
The icon comes with a certificate of guarantee and originality. Includes a report prepared by the experts of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage of Russia, and export documents.