St. Nicholas

17th century

Oil and tempera (?) on panel

18.7 × 13.3 cm (7.4 × 5.2 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

In the collection of Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia — check current display status with the museum.

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Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

Dressed as an Orthodox bishop, Saint Nicholas of Myra (d. 342) displays a Gospel book in his left hand and holds his right in a gesture of blessing. This type of composition refers to a wonder-working icon located in the town of Zarazsk (southwest of Moscow), which was believed to ward off Tartar invasions in the 16th century and thereafter became very popular. Holes around the frame and halo of this icon show where intricate metal revetments were once fastened. When animated by candlelight, the icon would have been part of a holistic, multisensory ecosystem of prayer, most likely in a private setting. The Greek inscription at the top of this icon reads Ho hagios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas).

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