description

Egg tempera on gold leaf on gesso on canvas on wood
Russia, second half 19th century, Palekh
35.5 x 29.8 cms

Provenance

Private collection, Germany

Detail Description

One of the most venerated saints in the Orthodox Church is Saint Nicholas, according to tradition the bishop of Myra in Lycia, Asia Minor in the 4th century. In Russia he is a national saint. He is patron saint of the family, children and the home. Many Orthodox believers place the Nicholas icon at the front door. Anyone coming in greets the icon first and then the host. He is also patron saint of sailors, merchants, travelers and the city of Amsterdam. The Orthodox Church celebrates his feast day on the 6th of December.