Antique 19thC Russian Orthodox Egg Tempera Painted Icon St Nicholas of Myra 1820 Mid-Century Modern New Mexico University

New Mexico University

The painting is signed and dated lower left

25" wide X 5" deep

The base with four panels

together with family members

Antique 19thC Russian Orthodox Egg Tempera Painted Icon St Nicholas of Myra 1820 Mid-Century Modern New Mexico UniversityA finely painted early 19th century Russian Orthodox icon, Saint Nicholas of Myra, circa 1820. This traditional Russian icon is finely painted with egg tempera paint and gesso on a limewood panel, it depicts St, Nicholas of Myra wearing bishop's vestments, also known as St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. A highly important saint in the Orthodox church, the reputation of St. Nicholas's secret gift giving gave rise to the folklore of Santa Claus. The saint