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13-Russian Icon
Saint Nicholas of Mozhaisk
Circa 1770
Egg tempera on carved wood panel, 14.5" x 12"
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection


he inspiration for this icon type originated in a miracle said to have occurred when Tartars attacked the city of Mozhaisk. According to tradition, St. Nicholas appeared in the air above the attackers, sword in hand, and saved the city. In this icon type Nicholas is shown full-length and is depicted in the attire of a Bishop. He holds a sword in his outstretched right hand and a church (sometimes interpreted as a city) in his left. As in most depictions of Nicholas, both Christ and Mary are shown in the upper corners presenting Nicholas with the Gospels (Christ) and a Bishop’s stole (Mary). Three-dimensional icons are uncommon in Orthodoxy; this subject is among the very few often found in sculptural form. While the art of carving is an ancient tradition in Russia, the church looked upon three-dimensional carvings as being too closely related to Russian’s pagan past. Consequently, religious sculpture was, for the most part, strictly banned by the church. Therefore, surviving examples such as this are considered rare.
 

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14-Russian Icon
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
Circa 1780
Egg Tempera on wood panel, 12" x 10"
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection


his is a typical depiction of Nicholas. He is shown as a Bishop, wearing the rank of that office around his neck in the form of a stole. With his right hand he delivers a blessing. The position of his fingers is significant. The thumb, ring finger and little finger are bent together and touching, while the forefinger and slightly bent middle finger are held upright. The three joined fingers symbolize the divine and human natures of Christ. The slight bend in the forefinger symbolizes the decent of Christ to earth to become incarnate as a man. This is the sign of blessing common in icons of the Old Believers. In his left hand Nicholas carries the Gospels, the text they reveal is a variant of Luke 6:17 “At that time Jesus stood on the plain, and a multitude of his disciples…” In the upper left corner Christ is shown blessing Nicholas and giving him the Gospels. On the other side, Mary presents Nicholas with his Bishop’s stole which she is said to have given him when he was imprisoned. The shoulder-height inscription reads “Holy Nicholas the Wonderworker.” Saint Nicholas is venerated in Russia as patron of Russia, children, and sailors, and in the West, of pawnbrokers.