Description:

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A lovely egg tempera on a wood icon panel from the left wing of an Orthodox Christian triptych, a popular form of icon veneration in Christian art in both the West and East from medieval times onward, set in a gilt frame. They were used in homes for devotion and small enough to be easily transported to provide protection to travelers and pilgrims. The top center is St. Nicholas, the Wonderworker in episcopal vestments, wearing a cross adorned omophorion, giving benediction, and holding the Gospel. Below are St. Sophia and St. Michael, and at the bottom center, St. George upon a horse. The metal hinge remains to the right side, where this panel could close like a door over the central triptych panel. Size of triptych panel: 10" L x 4" W (25.4 cm x 10.2 cm); frame: 11.75" L x 5.75" W (29.8 cm x 14.6 cm)

Further contextual background on Saint Nicholas: this saint was a strong opponent of the heretical bishop Arius at the Council of Nicaea; after slapping Arius in the face, Nicholas was stripped of his holy insignia and tossed in jail. However, Christ and the Virgin appeared to him and gave him back his freedom and his episcopal office. Here shown with a serious countenance, a high furrowed forehead, concentrating eyes framed by arched brows, and a short, gray beard, Saint Nicholas is portrayed as a staunch champion of the Christian faith, a defender against heresy, and a healer.

Provenance: ex-Dallas, Texas, USA collection

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#174599

  • Condition: Panel is part of a larger triptych. Fading and chipping to pigments, but wood is intact. Remaining pigments are bright and motifs are discernable. A lovely gilt wood frame that post-dates the artwork.

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October 27, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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