Bidspirit auction | LARGE 19TH C. RUSSIAN TEMPERA

LARGE 19TH C. RUSSIAN TEMPERA ICON ST NICHOLAS - A large 19th-century Russian Orthodox icon depicting Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, executed in tempera on a substantial wooden panel. The half-length figure is portrayed wearing richly ornamented episcopal vestments, offering a blessing with his right hand while holding an open Gospel book inscribed in Church Slavonic. The saint is flanked by two circular roundels containing traditional depictions of Christ and the Mother of God. The composition is framed by a broad, warm ochre border bearing identifying Church Slavonic inscriptions in the upper corners. The background surrounding the central figures has been stripped down to the underlying gesso ground, exposing a heavy craquelure network. The reverse of the wooden panel retains its two original horizontal wooden splints. russian orthodox icon, antique tempera panel, st nicholas wonderworker, church slavonic, religious relic, episcopal vestments, wooden splints. Dimensions 18 1/2 × 16 × 1 in. (47 × 40.6 × 2.5 cm) Condition Overall fair to good antique condition. Heavy, natural craquelure is prominently visible across the painted surface and gesso. The central background has been intentionally stripped down to the white gesso ground. Minor edge wear and scattered surface abrasions are present. The wooden panel is structurally stable, retaining its original horizontal reverse splints. Condition is consistent with age.