Icon Painting, Ordination of St. Nicholas, tempera on wood, Russia 19th Century

Egg tempera on wood, Russia
19th Century
An excellent example of a Russian Orthodox St. Nicholas icon from the 19th century. Unlike some contemporaries who became more self-expressive, this artist adheres to for the proper icon painting canon. The saint appears with the same visage as all earlier icons, and all the symbolism is appropriate.
The old Slavic word “pisat” means “to paint” and “to write,” so the icon painter is writing a story, and he is to convey that story in a forthright manner, without embellishment. The artist is not entirely absent, however. While faithful to convention, his use of color is extraordinary. Notice the various shades of blue and how each brings life to the dull oranges and browns without clashing. Notice the grayish blue of his omophorion, which creates the perfect background for the silver embellishments.
The story told here is the ordination of St. Nicholas. Christ appears to the left, calling him to serve. The Virgin Mary appears to the right offering him the omophorion. The Bible in his left hand is opened to Luke 6:17, because Luke 6:17-23 is part of the liturgy for ordination. It is also the passage read during the Feast of St. Nicholas.
You will notice the age of the wood and the style in which the boards are placed together. Also note the variation in craquelure in the different colors of tempera. This is an authentic work of 19th century conservative Russian iconography: hard to acquire now owing to export restrictions.
 
Measurements 
35x30 cm.

Condition
Excellent overall condition. Few chips to the paint and some deterioration of the wood.
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