St. Nicholas Icon on Wood Panel

A striking antique icon depicting St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, revered throughout both the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions as the patron saint of children, sailors, travelers, and the poor. Acquired in Valencia, Spain, this hand-painted devotional work embodies centuries of sacred artistic tradition, featuring a luminous gilt background, intricate ecclesiastical vestments, and the timeless iconographic style that has inspired Christian devotion for generations.

At the center, St. Nicholas is portrayed as a bishop with his characteristic high forehead, flowing silver beard, and emerald omophorion adorned with red crosses. He raises his hand in a traditional gesture of blessing while presenting an open Gospel written in Church Slavonic, emphasizing his role as a faithful teacher of Christ. Surrounding the saint are finely painted auxiliary figures, adding depth and symbolic richness to the composition.

The icon displays the authentic character collectors seek in historic devotional art. Age-related craquelure, gentle surface wear, softened gilding, and a beautifully developed patina all testify to its history and devotional life. The solid wood panel features traditional plank construction with visible age throughout the sides and reverse, while maintaining excellent structural integrity and a ready-to-display hanging loop.

Whether displayed in a home chapel, library, gallery wall, or carefully curated collection, this piece serves equally as a work of sacred art and a tangible connection to Christian history.

Features

• Antique hand-painted icon of St. Nicholas (Nicholas the Wonderworker)

• Purchased in Valencia, Spain

• Traditional tempera and gilt-style iconography on solid wood panel

• Church Slavonic inscriptions with open Gospel

• Rich gold ground with beautifully aged patina

• Original painted border and iconographic details

• Naturally aged craquelure and surface wear consistent with age

• Hanging hardware installed on reverse

• Ready for display

Dimensions

• Height: 12.125 in.

• Width: 10.375 in.

• Thickness: 1 in.

Condition

Good antique condition with expected age-related wear. The icon exhibits areas of craquelure, minor paint loss, rubbing, edge wear, and scattered imperfections throughout the painted surface and wood panel, all of which contribute to its authentic antique character. The reverse retains its original aged appearance with evidence of historic mounting and use. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

A Piece with History

Icons of St. Nicholas have been treasured for centuries as symbols of generosity, protection, and steadfast faith. Unlike modern reproductions, this authentic antique carries the warmth, texture, and spiritual presence that only time can impart. Its balanced composition, rich colors, and beautifully aged surface make it a compelling addition for collectors of religious art, antique icons, and historic Christian antiquities.

Estimated Age

Estimated to date from the mid-19th to early-20th century (circa 1850–1920).

The icon exhibits many characteristics commonly found in devotional Eastern Christian icons produced during the late Imperial Russian and Balkan periods, including its traditional Church Slavonic inscriptions, hand-painted tempera decoration, gilt ground, carved and painted vestments, and solid plank construction. The naturally developed craquelure, oxidation, surface wear, and aged wood support are all consistent with an icon of this period. While stylistic evidence provides a reasonable estimate, a definitive date would require examination by a qualified icon specialist or conservation professional.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: The descriptions, historical context, estimated age, and attribution provided for this item have been prepared with great care and are based on visual examination, research, stylistic analysis, and information available at the time of listing. These assessments represent informed opinions and are intended for educational and descriptive purposes only.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, this item has not been authenticated, certified, or appraised by a museum, licensed conservator, recognized art historian, or other accredited authority specializing in historic religious artworks. No guarantee is made regarding exact age, place of origin, attribution, artist, school, or period. Buyers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and are welcome to seek independent professional authentication prior to purchase if desired.