Nicholas the Wonderworker

Iconography:  Hagiographic cycle Nicholas, Nicholas (lap)

Date: XIV century. The second half - the end of the 14th c.

Iconographic school/art center:  Novgorod school

Origin: From the Church of Boris and Gleb in Plotniki, Novgorod.

Material: Wood, tempera

Dimensions:  height 147 cm, width 116 cm

A half-length figure of St. Nicholas in the center of the icon belongs to one of the most widespread iconographic versions of the saint in the Byzantine art, known since the 11th – 12th centuries. His right hand is blessing, while his left hand, covered with phelony and omophorion, holds a Gospel book. On both sides of the saint’s halo is inscription "Николае Цюдотворець". The center of the icon is surrounded by 18 scenes from the saint’s life and his miracles.

Inv. № 2182. © Novgorod State United Museum

Bibliography:

Иконы Великого Новгорода XI- начала XVI веков. Авторы проекта Л.В. Нерсесян и С.В.Обух. М. Северный паломник. 2008. №17.

  • General view
  • Face of Nicolas the Wonderworker
  • Border panel 01. The Nativity of St. Nicholas
  • Border panel 02. The infant Nicholas refuses to drink mother’s milk on fasting days
  • Border panel 04. St. Nicholas consecrated deacon
  • Border panel 06. The Arab vows to pay ransom before the icon of the Savior
  • Border panel 07. The Arab stands before the icon of St. Nicholas asking to forgive him
  • Border panel 08
  • Border panel 11. St. Nicholas appears to Emperor Constantin in a dream
  • Border panel 13. St. Nicholas receives gifts from Emperor Constantin