Central/Northern Russia (early nineteenth century), Icon 'Saint Nicholas of Myra with Vita'

Central/Northern Russia (early nineteenth century), Icon 'Saint Nicholas of Myra with Vita'

Centrally depicted is Saint Nicholas with an open Gospel book in his left hand, his right hand making a gesture of blessing. Around this are depicted events from the life of the saint. From top left (clockwise around): birth; baptism; ordination as deacon; throwing gold coins into the bedroom of three daughters of a poor man to protect the daughters from prostitution; saving three innocent men from the sword; his death; the transfer of his bones to Bari; the return of a son to his parents after he had been kidnapped by Arabs; icon miracle of the icon of Nicholas (an icon with his image was added to a Deesis); saving the patriarch Athanasius from drowning; miracle of Peter; ordination as bishop,

Egg tempera on gold leaf on panel, 50 x 39 cm.